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Bullying by teachers results in pupil’s suicide
Zililo is said to have taken his life after allegedly experiencing humiliation and bullying from two teachers at Katleho Secondary School in Zone 11 where he was a Grade 9 pupil.
SEBOKENG.-The Zililo family from Zone 12, Sebokeng is devastated following the suicide of their 15-year-old son, Sifiso Zililo.
Zililo is said to have taken his life after allegedly experiencing humiliation and bullying from two teachers at Katleho Secondary School in Zone 11 where he was a Grade 9 pupil.
On Monday, the family together with members of the community including various organizations went to the school to demand the immediate suspension of the two teachers implicated. Speaking to Sedibeng Ster, Nkosi the father of the deceased said that his son was not his normal self on Thursday.
“He came back home feeling down, slept the whole afternoon and even skipped dinner. We were later told that a teacher threw his books at him and called him stupid.”
On Friday morning Sifiso committed suicide wearing his school uniform. His aunt, Bongi Zililo said that the family also asked that an investigation be launched into the conduct of the teachers.
“A life has been lost so we are pleading with the Department of Education to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident while the two teachers are placed on suspension. “ Ours is to prevent another child from taking the same steps our child took as a result of bad treatment from Educators.” The Zililo family further required the school and the Department to assist them with burial costs. “As a family we do not save money to bury children, we save money to put children through school and cater to their needs. “We did not plan to bury Sifiso because he was so young, we planned to support him on achieving his dreams.” The deceased has been described as humble and respectful.
According to Bongi, Sifiso could diffuse any situation by cracking a joke and making everyone laugh.
Sebokeng Police Spokesperson, Captain Teboho Lephoto confirmed the incident, adding that an inquest case docket had been opened for investigation.
Sedibeng Ster has since inquired with the Gauteng Department of Education.
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