ON Wednesday, 1 November, Rangata Attorneys will begin investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of Sibusiso Mbatha.
Sibusiso (12), who was a grade 6 pupil from Thokoza in Ekurhuleni, allegedly hanged himself at home on Monday, 23 October.
This was after allegations that he was bullied by a teacher at Khehlekile Primary School.Daily Sun published Sibusiso's story on Friday, 27 October under the headline: Pupil's chilling suicide note to mum.
It's alleged that the teacher discriminated against Sibusiso because of his sexual orientation.
The teacher allegedly told Sibusiso to leave his "gayism at the school gate".
On Monday, 30 October, Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane introduced the independent law firm Rangata Attorneys to the school and Sibusiso's family.
The law firm, led by its founder Baitseng Rangata and Advocate Lehutjo Mello, will investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of Sibusiso.
Advocate Lehutso said they will meet the family and outline their course of action.
He said they're working with the family's representative who will assist them in the investigation.
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"They'll share with us the information they have. This will be followed up by evidence gathering at the school and community members who have information that could assist with the investigation," he said.
He said between Tuesday, 31 October and Wednesday, the coordinators, the chairperson of the SGB and the headmaster of the school, will organise the persons to be interviewed.
The teacher has been removed from the school pending further investigation and the family has opened a criminal case against the teacher.
Sibusiso’s uncle Sipho Mbatha said they were happy to have met the law firm.
Sibusiso’s aunt, Khanyisile KaNkosana-Shongwe, thanked the department for looking into the matter and also appointing a law firm.
She described Sibusiso as a talkative person who wanted to be a doctor.
"He was motivated by the doctors he saw on social media. We're still devastated and unable to cope. We rely on medication to be able to sleep," she said.
