The Eastern Cape is facing deep sorrow and anger following the death of Imibongo Ntamehlo, a Grade 3 learner at Gxulu Primary School, whose body was found at her home in the Gxulu Admin Area early on Sunday, 15 March 2026. It is suspected that she may have taken her own life after enduring ongoing bullying from other pupils.
People close to the family say there had been warning signs. Imibongo had reportedly shared with relatives that she was struggling at school, where classmates allegedly mocked and taunted her, calling her “ugly” and laughing at her. This sustained cruelty is believed to have had a severe emotional impact on her.
In the same week, another tragedy was reported involving Aya Velelo, a Grade 12 learner at St Patrick’s High School. He died on Thursday morning at the home where he was renting, with the school being informed of his passing by his landlord.
Eastern Cape Department of Education (ECDoE) spokesperson Malibongwe Mtima confirmed that the circumstances surrounding both deaths are under investigation. MEC Fundile Gade and Head of Department Sharon Maasdorp expressed their condolences to the families affected.
Mtima stated that the department had activated psycho-social support teams at both schools, with counselors sent to provide trauma debriefing for learners, educators, and family members.
“As the sector, we send our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and school communities,” said Gade.
He further explained that the department would send its school enrichment team to both schools.
“We will also deploy our school enrichment team to engage both schools in programmes like anti-bullying, Teenage Against Drug Abuse (TADA) and peer support trainings,” Gade said.
“This will prepare the learners to support one another to report and ultimately address these social ills.”
Gade added that these interventions are intended to strengthen existing systems within schools and are “meant to complement programmes led by Learner Support Agents in our schools.”
