Protest erupted on Monday, November 22nd, 2021 after a 16-year-old South African school girl, Lathitha Nazo, committed suicide after being subjected to bullying by classmates who labelled her a witch for having spiritual powers.
According to report, Lathitha spoke openly about the bullying she endured on social media platforms and how she was contemplating suicide before eventually swallowing a pesticide and died in a hospital on Wednesday, November 17 in the Eastern Cape.
“I want to be done; I feel so empty, I want to die and rest in peace so that I can be free”, the Bhisho High School Grade 10 pupil said in a voice note sent to her friend before she committed the act.
She then tells the friend that she was tired of fighting.
Her devastated family is demanding that bullying at schools must be addressed to prevent similar tragedies.
Nathitha wanted to become a doctor. Her family had high hopes, but it was dashed by this tragedy.
Mother Kholeka Nako says, “My heart is sore because l will never see Lathitha again l will only see her in pictures. My heart will remain sore Bisho High School has failed. I struggle to sleep.”
Calls from all quarters are being made to get to the bottom of the matter.
Khula Community Development Project’s, Petros Majola says a program needs to be developed to stop bullying in schools.
“Let us sit down and develop a program that deals with bullying at schools. We are aware that they do have their own policies but at the same time we are not sure that they are vocal about these policies.”
The Provincial Department of Education is also investigating the circumstances leading to her suicide.
Watch the video here as shared by Siggy.
