A 17-year-old girl from a secondary school in the Ehekweni Region of KwaZulu-Natal attempted to take her own life after enduring relentless bullying. The distressing incident unfolded earlier today (Thursday), prompting an urgent response from Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA).
Emergency Response and Discovery
At approximately 16:55, RUSA received multiple distress calls reporting that a young girl had been found unconscious in her home. Emergency responders, including paramedics and Reaction Officers, rushed to the scene, where they discovered the teenager lying unresponsive on the floor. Paramedics immediately began stabilizing her condition while gathering information about the circumstances leading up to the incident.
Bullying and Viral Video
According to the girl’s mother, her daughter had been a victim of ongoing bullying at school. She revealed that the Grade 11 student had suffered repeated physical assaults from multiple classmates over an extended period. One of the incidents was captured on a mobile phone and subsequently circulated widely on social media, further exacerbating the girl’s distress.
Heartbreaking Discovery by the Mother
The mother recounted that when she arrived home from work, she called out to her daughter to open the door. After receiving no response, she was forced to break into the house, where she found her child lying on the kitchen floor. Nearby, she noticed self-inflicted injuries on the girl’s wrists and several empty pill bottles scattered around her.
Medical Intervention and Recovery Efforts
Realizing the severity of the situation, paramedics swiftly transported the girl to a nearby hospital for immediate medical care. The extent of her injuries and her current condition remain undisclosed. However, medical professionals are working to stabilize her and provide the necessary treatment.
Raising Awareness on Bullying and Mental Health
This tragic incident highlights the severe impact of bullying and the urgent need for schools and communities to take stronger action against harassment. With social media amplifying the reach and intensity of bullying, more efforts are needed to protect vulnerable students and provide them with adequate mental health support.
Authorities are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the bullying and the viral video. Meanwhile, this case serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of fostering a safe and supportive environment for all students.