16-Year-Old El Shaddai Learner Takes Own Life After Continuous Bullying at School
A wave of sadness has hit Sharpeville following the death of Lerato, a 16-year-old Grade 10 student from El Shaddai Secondary School, who reportedly took his own life after facing continuous bullying from fellow students.
According to reports, the tragic incident occurred on Thursday, just weeks after Lerato had previously attempted suicide in September. He had been in intensive care following that earlier attempt and had only recently returned to school, where the harassment reportedly persisted.
Community members have expressed outrage at what they describe as the school’s failure to protect Lerato. Sources say his parents repeatedly raised concerns with school officials about the bullying, but their appeals were allegedly ignored. “The family did everything they could. They went to the school, spoke to teachers, and even met with the principal. But nothing changed. The bullies were protected, and Lerato suffered in silence,” a family acquaintance shared.
Reports indicate that the school principal was aware of the ongoing harassment but allegedly took no meaningful action, prompting calls from parents, students, and community leaders for a formal investigation. Local organisations, including Fine Town Radio Station and youth advocacy groups in the Vaal region, are demanding accountability from the Gauteng Department of Education, urging the deployment of counsellors and disciplinary measures against staff found negligent.
Messages of condolences and shock have flooded social media, with many insisting the tragedy could have been prevented. Mental health experts continue to stress the importance of anti-bullying programmes and safe reporting channels in schools to protect vulnerable learners. Extra photos, videos, and in-depth analysis of the case are available on Newshost Buzz.
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