Teboho Setena
The alleged repeated bullying and assault of a learner at a Free State primary school has ended tragically. The Free State Department of Education confirmed in a statement the suicide of Mbali Mlaba (13), who was enrolled at the Vulindlela Primary School in Harrismith, which is in the Thabo Mofutsanyana district.
Howard Ndaba, provincial spokesperson for the department, said the learner had reportedly committed suicide on 8 April, and left a note detailing constant bullying and assault by one of her peers.
“According to reports, Mbali’s mother found a note detailing the reasons behind her daughter’s extreme decision,” said Ndaba.
“It is alleged that Mbali was repeatedly bullied by a classmate, who accused her of cheating during a class test.
“The learner had even requested to be transferred to another school, expressing fear of her classmate, who had assaulted and bullied her in the previous term.”
Ndaba said psychosocial support had been provided to learners and educators of the school.
Reacting to the incident, Dr Julia Maboya, provincial MEC for Education, said her department recognised the severe consequences of bullying on learners’ well-being and mental health.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of a Gr.7 learner. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of the deceased during this incredibly difficult time. The Free State Department of Education takes all incidents of bullying seriously and is committed to creating a safe and supportive learning environment for all learners.”
The latest adds to the growing list bullying in Free State schools in recent years, despite the strong condemnation by the authority.
■ In May last year, a primary school learner, Kamogelo Leepile (11), was killed in a bullying related incident in Brandfort. The victim succumbed to wounds after the fatal stabbing by his peer. The deceased learner attended the WSM Malotle Primary School. He sustained three stab wounds, reportedly by a nine-year-old perpetrator, a Gr.4 learner of the neighbouring Monamodi Primary School.
The mother of the attacker reported that her child had complained of consistent bullying by the deceased and his brother.
■ In 2022, Tshepo Chabedi, who was in Gr.6 at Zama Primary School in Zastron, was fatally stabbed with a knife, allegedly by a learner who was then 15 years old.
The assailant reportedly attacked the victim outside school premises and had repeatedly bullied the victim. The attacker was arrested and charged with murder.
■ In November 2021, Phemelo More, a learner of the Senzile Combined School in Hertzogville, was fatally stabbed by a 13-year-old learner of the Kegomoditswe Primary School. In a separate incident the same year, a 19-year-old learner of the Lerato Uthando High School in Intabazwe, Harrismith, was stabbed by a 17-year-old classmate.
