By Ndivhuwo Mukwevho
Rialivhuwa Netsianda, 13, from Duthuni village near Thohoyandou in Limpopo, committed suicide on Monday evening.
Her family claims she was bullied at school for being poor and living in an RDP house.
Rialivhuwa was found hanging in one of the rooms of the house.
Only minutes before, the mother of the girl accused of bullying had allegedly threatened to have Rialivhuwa arrested for attacking her daughter.
Rialivhuwa was a Grade 7 learner at John Marubini Primary School in Phiphidi village, a few kilometres from her home.
Two days before her death, Rialivhuwa reportedly told her mother, Khuthadzo Vele, about the bullying she faced. Khuthadzo advised her daughter to tell the school principal, which Rialivhuwa did. However, her mother claims the school took no action.
Her mother planned to visit the school on Wednesday to seek help from the principal and teachers.
On Monday morning at school, according to Khuthadzo, Rialivhuwa reportedly reached breaking point and attacked the alleged bully by biting her hand.
“Before my daughter hanged herself, the mother of the alleged bully visited our home [on Monday] and insulted both me and my daughter,” Khuthadzo said.
“She demanded money to take her child to the hospital for an injection due to the bite, but we tried to explain what happened at school. She wouldn’t listen and threatened to have my daughter arrested.”
Shortly after the alleged bully’s mother left, Khuthadzo found her daughter’s body.
“I sent my daughter to school to learn and build a better future,” Khuthadzo said.
“Her poor background was used to bully her. I trusted the school to protect her, but they failed her, especially since they were aware of the situation.”
Thohoyandou police spokesperson Sergeant Vuledzani Dathi confirmed an inquest case has been opened at the Thohoyandou police station.
“Police were called to the scene after a 13-year-old girl was found hanging at her home,” Dathi said. “The investigation is ongoing, and further details will be released soon.”
Khuthadzo told Scrolla.Africa that she is still in shock. “I can’t believe my daughter is gone. I never imagined losing her so young. It’s overwhelming, and I lack the funds and strength to arrange her funeral.”
Rialivhuwa’s funeral will be held on Saturday in Duthuni village. Unemployed and grieving, Khuthadzo has pleaded with kind-hearted individuals to assist with funeral arrangements. She can be reached at 064 918 8523.
Attempts to reach John Marubini Primary School and the family of the alleged bully were unsuccessful.
The South African Depression and Anxiety Group says there are an average of 23 suicides a day in the country and 230 serious attempts. Bullying is widespread among learners and a big factor in these incidents among school-going children.
If you feel suicidal or know someone who is, help is available around the clock by dialling 0800 567 567
Pictured above: Rialivhuwa Netsianda.
Image source: Supplied
