The heartbreaking story of Tshegofatso Ngoetjana, a Grade 9 learner at Taxila High School in Polokwane, has captured national attention after his family revealed the bullying he endured from teachers led to his tragic suicide earlier this month. The Ngoetjana family is now calling for justice, claiming that Tshegofatso, affectionately known as Tshego, suffered immense emotional pain due to relentless mistreatment at the hands of school staff.
Tshegofatso’s father, Lesetja Ngoetjana, shared his son’s painful experiences, detailing how a particular teacher targeted Tshego, consistently failing him in his subjects. This chronic bullying severely impacted Tshego’s mental health, pushing him into a deep depression. The situation escalated dramatically when Tshego was allegedly assaulted by the school principal and a security guard after being caught with an electronic cigarette. Lesetja described this incident as the breaking point for his son.
Adding to the family’s anguish, Lesetja expressed his frustration over the school’s handling of the situation. He attended numerous meetings but was never informed about the assault that his son faced. The devastating news came to him through a neighbor, leaving him feeling helpless and distraught.
In a heartbreaking twist, Tshegofatso left a suicide letter behind, revealing the depth of his struggle with depression. Fellow students confirmed that they too were victims of bullying from the same teacher, principal, and security guard. One student, who was close to Tshego, shared her own experiences of mistreatment, which only deepened the family’s grief and anger over the ongoing issues at the school.
The situation worsened when Lesetja alleged that the principal was spreading false information about his son, claiming he was involved in drugs. This public defamation has compounded the family’s pain and made it more difficult for them to cope with their loss. Lesetja recalled a particularly painful moment when the principal spoke at a school assembly, asserting that Tshego was in the mortuary in handcuffs due to his supposed wrongdoings.
Determined to seek justice for their son, the Ngoetjana family plans to take legal action against the Limpopo Provincial Department of Education for negligence. They are committed to holding the school accountable, especially since Tshego’s case is not isolated; another family reportedly lost a child last year due to similar bullying incidents at Taxila High School but chose to remain silent. Lesetja is resolute in his decision to pursue justice, having already consulted with a lawyer to initiate court proceedings.
The family hopes that their actions will not only bring justice for Tshego but also prompt changes within the school system to prevent other children from suffering the same fate. They are calling for a thorough investigation into the practices at Taxila High School, emphasizing that bullying must be addressed and eliminated to protect students.
As the community mourns the loss of Tshegofatso Ngoetjana, his story serves as a painful reminder of the devastating effects of bullying and the urgent need for accountability within educational institutions. The Ngoetjana family’s pursuit of justice highlights the importance of creating safe environments for all students, ensuring that no child has to endure what Tshego faced.