Pupil throws acid on classmate

Palesa Khoza (13) was attending a science class and the teacher apparently was not present at the time of the incident. Khoza’s mother Nana was furious that the school was blaming the incident on her daughter by accusing Palesa of trying to commit suicide.

“My daughter said she told her friend that she would drink acid. The friend then grabbed the closed bottle of acid and ran off with it. When Palesa went after her, the friend then opened the bottle and threw acid at her twice, first on the on her hand and then the neck,” said Nana.

Ferndale High School deputy principal Carol Manuel said the matter is still under investigation, and she would rather not say anything until the matter has been resolved.

Nana said that due to seriousness of her burns Palesa would have to undergo surgery. She added the school was paying the medical bills, and would also pay for the operation Palesa needed to repair her skin.

“I am really offended at the claims made by the school about my daughter trying to commit suicide. She is not that kind of person, when she has a problem she will talk about it. I feel as though the school is trying to paint a bad picture of me. I am a good parent and am very close to my children,” said Nana, who felt belittled by the school. “I do not feel the school or the friend’s parent had any remorse for what happened.”

While the education department deals with the issue, the Khoza family await justice to be served.