FOUR teachers are said to be responsible for the death of Sibusiso Mbatha.
Sibusiso (12) from Thokoza in Ekurhuleni died on 23 October after he allegedly hanged himself at home.
On Thursday, 16 November, Ratanga Attorneys released a report after an investigation of bullying against the grade 6 pupil.
According to the report read by Baitseng Rangata, it's alleged that Sibusiso's death was after the bullying he experienced at school.
The report points out serious issues in how the school's head of department and Sibusiso's class teacher handled the situation.
Rangata said the investigation revealed substantial evidence supporting allegations of emotional and homophobic abuse by the deputy principal towards Sibusiso, contributing to his distress.
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"Both teachers and the principal were found to have failed in protocol adherence, with the deputy principal’s lack of communication, neglect of reporting procedures, and insensitivity towards the issue," she said.
Rangata said the confirmed allegations suggested that the pupil's public reprimand due to their sexual orientation significantly contributed to their distress, highlighting a lack of due process and insensitivity across multiple parties at the school.
She said the principal allegedly neglected to inform the School Governing Body (SGB) about the situation and prioritised other community stakeholders over them.
She said the South African Schools Act's provisions, specifically sections 60 (1) and (2), the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE), including the teachers, principal, and deputy principal, were found to have been liable for gross misconduct through acts of omission.
The deputy principal is recommended for precautionary suspension and subsequent disciplinary proceedings for alleged ill-treatment, blasphemy, and homophobic abuse of the deceased.
"The principal must face charges for allegedly neglecting duties, possibly protecting the deputy, and prioritising other stakeholders over the School Governing Body (SGB), along with the reliance solely on written statements," Ratanga said.
