Limpopo Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe has called on parents, guardians and communities to work closely with law enforcement to instil discipline and respect among learners, following a bullying incident that nearly turned fatal in the Vhembe district.
Hadebe’s remarks come after the arrest of three suspects linked to an assault at Ralson Tshinanne Secondary School in Ngovhela (Tshirembe) on Wednesday, 15 April. She also directed the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit to intensify investigations into similar cases across the province.
According to police, the situation escalated in the early hours of Thursday, 16 April, when a learner allegedly attempted to take his own life at his home at about 03:15. The victim is believed to have endured ongoing bullying and assault at school, allegedly at the hands of three boys.
The learner was rescued by his parents, after which a case of common assault was opened at Thohoyandou police station.
Police said the FCS Unit responded swiftly, leading to the arrest of three suspects aged between 17 and 21 from different schools.
The suspects are expected to be charged in line with the Child Justice Act and will soon appear in the Thohoyandou Magistrate’s Court on charges of common assault.
Hadebe emphasised the importance of early intervention and community involvement in addressing bullying, warning that such behaviour could have devastating consequences if left unchecked.