MEC appoints Ratanga Attorneys to investigate Thokoza learner’s death

The aggrieved Mbatha family from Thokoza has welcomed the appointment of BR Ratanga Attorneys (BRRA), which will lead the investigation surrounding the death of their 12-year-old son Sibusiso.

Sibusiso was a Grade Six learner attending Khehlekile Primary School (KPS). He committed suicide on the evening of October 23.

He was found by tenants after hanging himself. He was allegedly bullied by a teacher, who allegedly told him to leave his ‘gayism’ outside the school premises.

The law firm was appointed and formally introduced to the school management team, school governing body and later to the Mbatha family, by the Gauteng MEC of Education Matome Chiloane.

Chiloane visited KPS and the family on October 30, alongside the district director Bucie Lithuli, chief director of legal services advocate Ntini Mashego and the CEO of BRRA, advocate Baitseng Rangata and advocate Lehutjo Mello.

Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane will ensure the family speedily receives the report on their son Sibusiso Mbatha's (12) death. pic.twitter.com/pMsN0qLiTj

— Alberton Record (@RecordAlberton) October 27, 2023

Mello said they would hit the ground running and begin to gather evidence.

He said they will talk to relevant stakeholders that will assist in finding out what happened, when it happened and determine which category the incident falls under.

Mello emphasised that they intend to visit both the school and the family.

“What is important is that the report needs to create a closure that is sound in law and confirms whether what transpired is misconduct or an accident. Was it able to be avoided, and if it was possible, why was it not avoided?”

The aunt of the late Sibusiso, Khanyisile KaNkosana-Shongwe, said the investigation will help the family to find closure and eventually know what happened at school.

“This is not going to drag, this will be done soon which we appreciate,” said KaNkosana-Shongwe.

She described Sibusiso as a fun, bubbly person who was an A student. He had the goal of becoming a doctor.

“We are still devastated, and we are not coping. We must use sleeping pills.

“His mother who was among the first ones who ran to the scene. Seeing himself hanging there still lingers in her mind. We all need psychological help,” she noted.

She said the family does not know the reason behind the suicide, adding that for now it is just allegations.

“It should be noted the perpetrator confessed that he ‘bullied the child’,” she explained.

“Sibusiso was like any other child. And he was loved. He was not living in isolation, we always supported him.”

His uncle Sipho Mbatha said the teacher alleged to be a bully was removed from the school on October 23.

“However, I do not trust the Department of Education because they promised to help us with the burial, but they did not fulfil such promises. They only gave us food.”

Chiloane said the department has a call center in place which can be reached at 116 to help learners.

He said there are professionals including psychologists and social workers willing and able to help.

“We have partnered with many NPOs to work with us to ensure that we prevent our learners from committing suicide. Such suicides are a big concern for us,” said Chiloane.

“I have been receiving a lot of calls from the LGBTQ community, citing discrimination against the child. We must not have the rights of people compromised in any way. The rights of our children and our children must be protected. When they are at school they are our responsibility.”

The family has registered a case with the Thokoza SAPS.

Sibusiso was laid to rest at Kromvlei Cemetery, located at Randwaterboard Road, Alberton, on October 28.