It has been two days since 15-year-old Lufuno Mavhunga took her own life and still, her death has yet to be escalated into a full-blown homicide inquest.
More details surface on Lufuno Mavhunga death
On Monday, a video clip of Mavhunga taking repeated blows from her peers went viral. In the video, Mavhunga was seen pleading for peace right before a pupil from her school — Mbilwi Secondary in Sibasa — attacked her, much to the distasteful cheers of her classmates who were filming the incident.
It is said that Mavhunga went home and distraught from the humiliation, she allegedly locked herself in her room and overdosed on pills. At this time, it’s not known what the 15-year-old took. However, we can confirm that the teen was discovered by her mother and was rushed to hospital at approximately 18:30 where she died.
Education MEC calls for arrest of bullies
Limpopo police have yet to issue a directive on what stance they will take on the case. Spokesperson Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo confirmed, in a statement, that an inquest docket has been opened and at this time, the case is being handled with a great deal of delicacy.
No indications were made by Mojapelo on whether the pupils involved in the bullying incident that may have motivated Mavhunga to take her own life will be arrested.
Education MEC Polly Boshielo has called for the latter, though. In a statement, the MEC, who’s been on a two-day oversight visit to Limpopo schools, advised authorities to arrest the bullies.
Limpopo Education MEC Polly Boshielo says the girl seen assaulting Lufuno Mavhunga must be arrested.
— Aldrin Sampear (@AldrinSampear) April 13, 2021
Boshielo says she has spoken to the principal of Mbilwi Secondary to get the police involved.
The question that remains is, what charges would they face if an arrest warrant was issued? Culpable homicide is a possibility but at this time, the NPA has not been reeled into the matter to confirm this.
Boshielo revealed that learner support agents have been sent to the school to counsel pupils on the tragedy that befell Mavhunga.