SEBOKENG. – A heart-moving memorial service was held for 45-year-old Sizanani Secondary School teacher who allegedly took his life at the school, Thabang Letsie, at the Methodist Church in Zone 13, Sebokeng, on Thursday.

Letsie’s body was found by a staff member last Saturday, who was at school when he spotted the deceased, and immediately called the police for help. On arrival, the police found Letsie with a shoelace tied around his neck as well as on one of the classroom’s steel doors.

He was declared dead by Emergency Medical Services, and an inquest has been opened, Sergeant Nthabiseng Mokhachane confirmed.

Letsie taught Engineering Graphics and Design (Electronics) to Grade 10-12 learners.

At the memorial service, pain was evident in the eyes of Letsie’s learners who spoke fondly of him, describing him as nothing short of a genius who was always able to solve complex situations.

“God gave him wisdom; he was a people’s person. He helped everyone without any complaints, without any discrimination. He also preached unity,” said one speaker.

The moving memorial service was attended by family members, staff of Sizanani, the school’s learners, and the community at large. The members of the South African Democratic Teachers Union (SADTU), of which Letsie was a member, were also in attendance, in full regalia.

Speaking for the Representative Council of Learners (RCL), Relebogile Mokhaliphi said, “His love for teaching was evident in everything that he did. Let’s celebrate his love, smile, guidance and passion.”

The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) said, “The GDE is aware and deeply saddened to learn about the passing of a Grade 10 – 12 educator who allegedly committed suicide at Sizanani Secondary School on Saturday, September 6. Our Psycho-Social Support Unit has been dispatched to the school to provide necessary counselling to learners and educators following this traumatic loss.”

Letsie will be buried tomorrow, Saturday.