Incidents of bullying in schools across Vhembe are becoming a disturbing scourge, with multiple cases reported within a single week, some with deeply troubling consequences.
The issue first drew widespread attention after a video surfaced from Azwifarwi Secondary School, showing a learner being bullied by a fellow pupil.
In the video, the visibly distressed learner allegedly threatened to take his own life, sparking outrage and concern among community members. The incident prompted swift intervention from various stakeholders, including police and school management.
Limpopo police spokesperson Col Malesela Ledwaba confirmed that Thohoyandou police arrested an 18-year-old man following an assault case linked to the incident on Tuesday, 14 April, at around 14:00.
Ledwaba said it is alleged that a 20-year-old pupil was leaving his classroom when he was slapped in the face by the suspect. “A case of assault common was opened, leading to the arrest,” he said.
A second serious case occurred at Ralson Tshinanne Secondary School in Ngovhela Tshirembe, where bullying reportedly pushed a learner to attempt suicide.
The incident took place in the early hours of Thursday, 16 April, at around 03:15, when the victim allegedly tried to take his own life after enduring ongoing bullying and assaults at school. The learner’s parents intervened in time and managed to rescue him.
A case of assault common was again opened at Thohoyandou SAPS. According to Ledwaba, the police’s Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit responded swiftly, arresting three suspects aged between 17 and 21 from different schools in connection with the incident.
Local civic leader Mr Wamashudu Muhali described the situation as a long-standing concern.
“As leadership, we have been battling this scourge for some time. We conduct operations, visit schools and carry out searches to curb such behaviour. This latest incident is deeply disturbing, a learner nearly lost his life,” he said.
He added that the victim’s family, particularly the mother who witnessed the attempted suicide, remains traumatised. “We will not stop fighting this and call on all parents to play their part,” Muhali said.
Provincial police commissioner Lt Gen Thembi Hadebe condemned the incidents and called for collective action. “Parents, guardians and members of the community must work closely with the police to instil a sense of discipline and respect among learners in order to prevent bullying in the school environment,” she said.