The heartbreaking news of Sarah Bomba Bathi Baloyi’s passing has sparked widespread grief and concern online, but there’s a need to clarify the facts amidst the many rumors. Misinformation has circulated suggesting Sarah died by suicide, but after direct communication with her father, the truth reveals a far more devastating story.
Sarah did not take her own life.
Her father confirmed that Sarah had been in and out of the hospital due to emotional and physical trauma caused by relentless cyberbullying. She was overwhelmed by the pain that stemmed from constant online harassment and the fallout from a video titled “Two Worlds Collide”. Ultimately, Sarah succumbed to blood clots and shock, complications that her father believes were brought on by a broken heart and emotional suffering. While many assumed her death was due to suicide, the reality is just as tragic — she died from the invisible wounds inflicted by online cruelty.
Whether it was her heart giving out or her mind finally becoming too burdened to fight any longer, the outcome is the same: Cyberbullying took Sarah’s life.
This is a moment for all of us to pause and reflect. The internet may seem like a place for free expression, but with that freedom comes responsibility. Words have power — power to build or destroy. In Sarah’s case, the hate, bullying, and unrelenting trolling she endured online crushed her spirit and ultimately led to her untimely death.
This must stop. Let Sarah’s story be the last. Let her passing be the wake-up call we need to change our online behavior and end this culture of cruelty.
If you’re an adult engaging in online harassment, understand this: you are contributing to the problem. The youth of today are being torn apart by the judgment, the hate, and the pressure. You are not just harming individuals — you are breaking communities, you are damaging the future, and in some tragic cases, like Sarah’s, you are ending lives.
Sarah’s memorial was held recently, and her funeral is scheduled for this Saturday in Bela-Bela, Limpopo. Her family welcomes anyone in the area to attend and support them during this painful time.
For those who wish to contribute or assist the family, her mother’s banking details have been provided:
Account Details:
Account Number: 51108967205
Account Name: RL Baloyi
Bank: TymeBank (Savings)
Contact for Donations:
Lesego (Neighbour) – +27 72 268 2613
Lastly, Sarah’s family extends their heartfelt gratitude. They are deeply thankful for the love and impact Sarah received from the community — even in the face of so much darkness.
Rest in power, Sarah Bomba Bathi Baloyi.
May your life and death not be in vain. May your story inspire real change.