According to Timeslive, a pupil identified as Imibongo Ntamehlo (8-years old), took her life at her home on Sunday after she was allegedly bullied countless times at school.
She lived in a village near Mthatha.
Timeslives further said, Imibongo allegedly hanged herself when her mother was at church and instructed the other kids she was with to go outside.
“I was at church when it happened. She asked the other children to go outside. When they later realised that she was motionless, they called a man from the neighbourhood”, imibongo’s mother said.
According to Imibongo’s mother, her child endured constant bullying from other schoolkids that made her life a living hell. Other school kids actively targeted her home situation, as her mother is unemployed, and they lived in poverty.
They isolated her, forcing her to stand by the classroom and play alone during school breaks.
They would beat her up in transport to force her to create space for them.
According to TimesLive, Imibongo’s mother stated that her child never showed signs of being suicidal and revealed that she spoke with her teacher, who confirmed that everything was okay.
“The teacher understood my daughter’s situation and even arranged for her to have friends. She confirmed she was alright and had friends. That was on Friday- before she [ took her own life] on Sunday”. She said.
According to TimesLive, Imibongo will be laid to rest in Gxulu village on 21 March 2026.Bullying remains a major issue in South African schools.
These cases highlight the need for schools to prioritise mental health support in schools, ensuring learners have safe spaces to speak out before situations escalate.
Sub-Editor : Matlala Kgaugelo
