Overview
- The Eastern Cape Education Department confirmed probes into the deaths of Imibongo Ntamehlo, a Grade 3 learner from Gxulu Primary School, and Aya Velelo, a Grade 12 learner from St Patrick’s High School in Mthatha.
- Officials said the Grade 3 case is alleged to involve suicide linked to bullying by fellow pupils, while the Grade 12 learner was found deceased in the room he was renting.
- Department spokesperson Malibongwe Mtima said psychosocial teams have been dispatched to provide debriefing and trauma counselling to learners, staff and families at both schools.
- MEC Fundile Gade conveyed condolences and said school enrichment programmes, including anti-bullying, Teenage Against Drug Abuse (TADA) and peer support training, will be rolled out at the affected schools.
- Parliament’s select committee on education expressed deep sadness, called for a thorough investigation into the Grade 3 learner’s death, and highlighted persistent gaps in school welfare and security services.