Photo: Twitter
Photo: Twitter
The SA Human Rights Commission come down hard on the principal of Mbilwi Secondary School, after a bullied student took her own life earlier this week. A viral video of the altercation is believed to be a factor in Lufuno Mavhunga’s suicide.
The tragic teen passed away on Monday, after she overdosed on prescription pills. Medics were powerless to save her upon arrival. Just hours beforehand, she was brutally slapped by a classmate, as other school students cheered and laughed in the background. The schoolyard scuffle, however, led to some fatal consequences.
Lufuno’s name has trended on social media for three days in a row. The public anger over this case is palpable, and as investigators aim to paint a clearer picture of what led to the 15-year-old’s death, the spotlight has shifted to the principal.
Early findings from the HRC suggest that the principal shoulders ‘some of the blame’ for Lufuno’s tragic end. They are adamant that the chief educator ‘failed to act’ several times when asked by the girl’s family. It is understood that the school was made aware of persistent bullying complaints – but very few interventions were put in place…
Meanwhile, police confirmed on Wednesday that the girl seen hitting Lufuno in the video has been arrested. The suspect, also aged 15, will be charged as a minor on one count of assault. SAPS released an updated statement earlier today:
“Police in Thohoyandou have arrested a 15-year-old schoolgirl for allegedly assaulting another learner who later died in an apparent suicide. The suspect is a learner at Mbilwi Secondary School. The incident allegedly took place at Sibasa Block A, on Monday 12 April 2021, at about 11:30 – and was reported to the police on Wednesday morning.”