A heartbreaking incident has shaken the local community after a Grade 12 learner from Daspoort Secondary School in Pretoria was found dead on Friday morning. The learner, 19-year-old Mpho Entle Mabena, is reported to have taken his own life, sparking widespread outrage and renewed conversations about bullying in schools and the responsibility of educators.
According to fellow learners, family members, and community voices, Mpho had allegedly been subjected to ongoing bullying by a mathematics teacher, identified on social media as Mr. Legodi. The claims suggest that the situation had been persistent and deeply distressing for the young learner, who was preparing to complete his final year of high school.
Reports indicate that Mpho had sought help from the school’s principal, Mr. TY Rakgoale, prior to his death. Witnesses allege that he approached the principal visibly emotional and in tears, hoping for intervention. However, it is claimed that no effective action was taken to address the matter or to protect him from the alleged mistreatment.
The tragedy has ignited strong reactions online, with many taking to social media platforms to express their grief and anger. Hashtags such as #JusticeForMabena, #LegodiMustGo, and #RakgoaleMustGo have been trending locally, as calls grow louder for accountability from both the teacher and the school’s leadership.
Further amplifying the public outcry is a petition launched on Change.org, where supporters are demanding justice and a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mpho’s death. The petition alleges that the learner endured daily humiliation and emotional distress in the classroom, ultimately leading to his tragic decision. It reads in part: “He took away his life because of the way a teacher was treating him in class. Mpho went to the principal crying after being bullied by a teacher every day.”
In response to the incident, students and community members organised a protest at the school on Monday, 20 April. The demonstration aimed to bring attention to the issue and to demand urgent action from education authorities. Many protesters are calling for the immediate suspension of those implicated, as well as the implementation of stronger measures to protect learners from bullying and abuse within school environments.
As of now, the Gauteng Department of Education has not released an official statement regarding the incident. This silence has further fueled frustration among community members, who are demanding transparency and swift action.
The tragic loss of Mpho Entle Mabena has left a deep wound in the community and serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact bullying can have on young people. It has also raised urgent questions about how schools handle complaints and whether enough is being done to ensure the safety and well-being of learners.
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. You can contact the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) at 0800 567 567, or call emergency services at 911 for immediate assistance.
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