Gauteng teen’s death exposes failure to curb bullying in schools

The family of 16-year-old Lerato Mochadibane from Vereeniging in Gauteng is demanding justice after his death, which his father says was caused by months of bullying at school.

Distraught father, Oupa Khoeli, said Lerato had been bullied by a group of classmates for several months before he took his own life last week. Khoeli said his son’s body was found in his bedroom. He told journalists that this was not the first time Lerato had tried to take his life, saying the boy made two previous attempts two months ago.

Speaking to the media, Khoeli said Lerato had complained about being targeted by three male classmates. He claimed that the school failed to take action despite repeated reports to teachers.

“Last Saturday, while Lerato attended extra classes, he wore a cap he had received from a camp earlier this year. Lerato and his friend had exchanged caps. When he arrived at school, three boys confronted him. One claimed the cap was his. They ganged up on him. One strangled him, another took the cap, and the third assaulted him,” Khoeli said.

Khoeli said Lerato phoned him after the incident. He immediately went to the school with another son. He accused the school of protecting the three learners. Efforts to reach the principal that day were unsuccessful.

He said the ptincipal returned to the school on Monday and called the boys to the office. “The learners made up a story to make Lerato look bad, but his witness confirmed Lerato’s version. The principal told the three that after writing their exam that day, they should collect suspension letters,” Khoeli said.

He said the bullying started in 2022 after Lerato moved from a boarding school. “When I used to take him to school, he felt protected. The bullying began in Grade 8 and continued until Grade 10. I enrolled him there because of their good academic record. I wanted the best for him,” Khoeli said.

National Association of School Governing Bodies general secretary Matakanye Matakanye called for stronger action against bullying and better mental health support in schools. “We send our heartfelt condolences to the family and the community. Schools must have systems where learners can safely report bullying before tragedies happen,” he said.

South Africans expressed their grief and anger on social media, urging parents, teachers, and schools to do more to protect children from bullying.

Gauteng Department of Education spokesperson Steve Mabona requested questions in writing but had not responded by the time of publication.