Family pleads with Lesufi to seek justice for their son
He soon started vomiting blood and was rushed to Pholosong Hospital, where he was certified dead on arrival.
Tsakani – MEC of Education Panyaza Lesufi has appointed an independent investigative law firm to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of Nhlanhla Shabangu.
Lesufi was speaking during his visit to Tsakani Secondary School on Tuesday to get a report from the principal about the events that led to the teenager’s death.
The 15-year-old learner from Reshogofaditswe Secondary School died last week Tuesday after a general worker and a teacher at Tsakani Secondary assaulted him.
It is alleged he was assaulted with a golf club before he was tackled by the two on the ground while they tried to disarm him of a toy gun.
Also read: Lesufi opens new Primary School in Tsakane
The Grade Nine learner had gone back to the school to retrieve a backpack and cellphone of which he was mugged the day before by a group of learners while he was there to pick up his girlfriend.
But the caretaker, who reportedly recognised him from the day before, chased and assaulted him before taking him to the principal’s office.
The school called the police, but because he was a minor, he was released into the care of his parents.
He soon started vomiting blood and was rushed to Pholosong Hospital, where he was certified dead on arrival.
Lesufi explained the appointment of the independent law firm will provide a preliminary report to share with the family and the school.
“I want to prioritise the family because they want answers.
“In the absence of evidence, suspending the two officials involved in the scuffle would have implications. Therefore, the preliminary report from the independent firm will determine what action should be taken,” he added.
Also read: Learner dies after being assaulted by teacher and caretaker
The distraught father, Oupa Shabangu, pleaded with the MEC to hold those responsible for his son’s death accountable.
“We want the people responsible for my son’s death to be held accountable. They must pay for cutting my son’s life short,” he added.
Tsakani police spokesperson Sgt Lerato Mngomezulu confirmed an inquest into his death.
“The findings from the investigations will lead to the case being turned into a murder investigation,” she explained.
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