The Gauteng Department of Education has released its findings into the death of Khehlekile Primary School grade 6 pupil Sibusiso Mbatha. Mbatha was found hanging from the bathroom ceiling at his home in Thokoza last month. It's alleged that the 12-year-old boy ended his life as he was constantly bullied at school and called homophobic names.

The law firm tasked with investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of Mbatha announced that it has recommended that the implicated teachers and the principal be charged and suspended for the incident. Baitseng Rangaka of BR Rangata Attorneys said Mbatha was subjected to homophobic treatment by school teachers after an altercation with another pupil at Khehlekile Primary School in Thokoza. "It is further alleged that he was involved in a physical altercation with a fellow learner and that there were instances of comments made and negligence by educators during the aftermath of this altercation. One of these was an alleged comment made by educators." Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane said both teachers and the principal were found to have failed in protocol adherence, with the deputy principal's lack of communication, neglect of reporting procedures and insensitivity towards the issue. "The confirmed allegations suggested that the learner's public reprimand due to their sexual orientation significantly contributed to their distress, highlighting a lack of due process and insensitivity across multiple parties at the school," he said.

He said the principal might have failed in fulfilling his responsibilities by mishandling the issue, attempting to shield the deputy and relying solely on written statements from teachers and the head of department. Moreover, he allegedly neglected to inform the School Governing Body (SGB) about the situation and prioritised other community stakeholders over them."The deputy principal is recommended for precautionary suspension and subsequent disciplinary proceedings for alleged ill-treatment, blasphemy and homophobic abuse of the deceased. It is also recommended that the principal must face charges for allegedly neglecting his duties, possibly protecting the deputy, and prioritising other stakeholders over the School Governing Body (SGB), along with the reliance solely on written statements," he said.