Limpopo education dept probes school bullying, after Grade 10 pupil dies
By Mcebo Makhaye
The Limpopo education department has announced that it is investigating the unacceptable bullying behaviour after a Grade 10 pupil, from Thohoyandou was captured on a video being bullied and assaulted.
This comes after a video of a girl named Lufuno Mavhunga being repeatedly bullied by peers at school premises, on Monday.
In a viral video, that has been doing rounds on social media, the girl can be seen being manhandled and multiple slapped across her face by a fellow Mbilwi Secondary School pupil.
Furthermore, fellow schoolmates can be heard screaming and cheering while some are seen capturing videos of the incident on their cellphones, as the two Grade 10 girls’ scuffles.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the department said it believed the bullying victim has died, News24 reported.
“The learner is reported to have since passed away, however the cause of death is unknown. The department is awaiting a formal report on the cause from the relevant authorities,” the statement said.
The department said the school’s principal was requested to provide further details surrounding the incident and disciplinary processes would immediately take place.
Shortly after seeing the video, South Africa citizens took to Twitter to express their shock and sadness and the hashtag #JusticeForLufuno has since been trending.
Here are some of the reactions:
Education MEC, Polly Boshielo said bullying is wrong and it would never be tolerated in schools.
“It is quite disturbing to witness this level of violent behaviour among young people. We strongly condemn such conduct that has turned our schools into horrendous havens for those who have no regard for their peers,” he said.
Meanwhile, the department has sent its condolences to the deceased pupil’s family and friends and pledged to ensure that all those involved in bullying cases would face the consequences.
This is a developing story.
Compiled by Mcebo Makhaye.
