Harrismith, Free State — A community is in mourning and a nation is left asking painful questions after 13-year-old Mbali Mlaba, a Grade 7 learner at Vulindlela Primary School, tragically took her own life — allegedly following relentless bullying by a fellow learner.
According to Howard Ndaba, spokesperson for the Free State Department of Education, Mbali had been repeatedly bullied and assaulted by a classmate who accused her of cheating in a class test. After her passing, her mother discovered a heartbreaking note in which Mbali detailed the fear and emotional torment she had endured.
“The learner had expressed fear of her classmate… and had even requested to be transferred to another school,” Ndaba confirmed.
The tragedy has reignited nationwide concerns around bullying in schools, especially its link to mental health challenges among South African learners. The department says psycho-social support has since been deployed to affected learners and staff, and it is calling on communities to rally together to build safer learning environments.
“We are committed to supporting learners and educators to prevent such incidents,” said Ndaba. “Let’s work together to ensure our schools are places of safety, not suffering.”
Free State MEC for Education, Dr Mantlhake Julia Maboya, has also sent her condolences to the Mlaba family, expressing the department’s deep sorrow over the incident.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of a Grade 7 learner from Vulindlela Primary School,” she said. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones.”
This tragedy echoes a similar case last year at Phutha Primary School in Klipgat, where 13-year-old Regomoditswe Baloyi died by suicide after being mocked by a teacher over his poverty. That incident sparked community protests and renewed scrutiny on how schools handle allegations of abuse and bullying.
With a growing number of learner suicides linked to bullying, the call from education officials, mental health professionals, and families is now louder than ever:
“No child should suffer in silennce’.
