Family wants answers after Emoyeni teen’s (18) suicide

A Grade 11 learner at Zikiteni Secondary School committed suicide on February 21 after he was accused of stealing another learner’s cellphone.

Sibongiseni Masilela (18) was found by his uncle hanging from the roof of his granny’s bedroom at his home in Emoyeni Section, still wearing his school uniform.

On the morning of the incident, it is believed one of the teachers removed Masilela from class and ordered him to return the cellphone he was said to have stolen. It is also believed the teacher confiscated Masilela’s bag.

Masilela’s grandmother, Eunice Masilela, said the family was shocked and heartbroken at what had happened to their child. “I am failing to understand why we were not informed by school management that our child stole a cellphone,” said the grieving Gogo Masilela. “We only hear rumours now that Sibongiseni had stolen a cellphone. What did they do or say to my grandchild to push him to take his life?”

She said when they confronted the school principal to ask what happened to their child at school, he only said he was sorry about the child’s death.

Gogo Masilela added she was told her grandchild was taken by members of the Community Policing Forum (CPF) for questioning at Tembisa SAPS. She said he did not leave behind a note or anything that could help them understand why he did it.

“We appeal to the education department to investigate this matter,” said Gogo Masilela.

Meanwhile, the deceased’s mother, Jabulile Masilela, said her son had never said he was accused of stealing a cellphone.

“Sibongiseni was well and happy when he went to school that day. We just do not know what happened at school which led my child to hang himself. He might have troubled some people in the community but he was a person who admitted to his faults and asked for forgiveness.

“The school used to engage with me when something was wrong about my son,” Masilela added. “I don’t understand why they never reported the matter to me this time. I demand answers from the school.”

Masilela said her son loved gospel music, played soccer and used to be a member of a church band.

When The Tembisan went to speak to school management, the principal said we should contact the education department.

Tembisa SAPS communications officer Captain Manyadza Ralidzivha confirmed that an inquest docket was registered at the police station.

Tembisa CPF chairperson Reuben Khumalo told The Tembisan they were approached by two learners from Zitikeni Secondary School who claimed they had lost a cellphone on the school premises.

“We never removed a child from the school or took a learner for questioning,” Khumalo said. “When the learners approached us about the missing cellphone, we took them back to the school to speak to their principal. On arrival, the principal never paid attention to us and we left them.”

The Tembisan has sent a request for comment to the Gauteng Department of Education’s spokesperson, Steve Mabona.

At the time of publication no comment had been received.