Gauteng Education Department extends condolences to teen’s family
Mabona said the department will provide counselling to fellow learners who might have been affected by this unfortunate loss of life
The Gauteng Department of Education extends its deepest condolences to the family of Sibongiseni Masilela, an 18-year-old learner of Zitikeni Secondary School who died at his home after hanging himself from a roof.
The Gauteng Department of Education’s spokesperson, Steve Mabona, said the department was aware of and saddened by the death of the learner at Zitikeni Secondary School in Tembisa.
“A preliminary report reveals that the learner committed suicide on 21 February 2018, while at home. The school was informed about the incident by the grandfather who visited the school the next day on 22 February 2018 to collect the leaner’s book and to inform the school of the sad news. Preliminary investigations reveal that the said learner faced several cases of misconduct at the school, in which we immediately intervened. Parents were informed about the incidents. The learner had therefore been referred to our psychologists for counselling to bring about behavioural change,” explained Mabona.
He said the police are investigating the case.
“On behalf of the entire education fraternity in Gauteng, we would like to extend our deepest condolences to the family of the deceased learner and wish them peace and comfort during this difficult time. We hope that the family will find comfort in the knowledge that we too, share their loss. No words are sufficient to express our sorrow at the loss of a child,” added Mabona.
Mabona said the department will provide counselling to fellow learners who might have been affected by this unfortunate loss of life and the school will continue to give the family support during this difficult time.
