Bullied to Death by Teachers: Grade 12 Student’s Tragic Suicide Note Details Alleged Abuse

The Maimela family is reeling from the devastating loss of their 20-year-old son, Joseph, a Grade 12 student at Kgabo Secondary School in Limpopo. On October 5, 2024, Joseph tragically took his own life, leaving behind a heart-wrenching suicide note in which he described years of emotional abuse allegedly at the hands of his teachers. His death has sparked outrage, and the family is demanding justice for the young man whose life ended far too soon.

Joseph’s body was found near his home in Ga-Mokgokong Village, where it is believed he died by strangulation. In his final letter, Joseph detailed the relentless bullying he faced from his teachers, singling them out as the primary cause of his emotional suffering. He also requested that neither his tormentors nor the students who bullied him attend his funeral, illustrating the depth of his pain.

His sister, Lerato Maimela, spoke of the family’s profound grief and anger. “We are devastated. The school is responsible for our brother’s death. We’re struggling to accept what has happened,” Lerato said. She added that Joseph had always been a quiet and reserved individual, which made it difficult for the family to recognize the signs of his internal turmoil.

According to Lerato, the final incident that pushed Joseph over the edge occurred when a teacher publicly humiliated him by revealing his failing third-term report card in front of his classmates. This act led to further bullying from his peers, compounding Joseph’s distress and leaving him feeling utterly hopeless.

The Maimela family is not only grieving but is also deeply concerned about Joseph’s younger brother, who is currently in Grade 11 at the same school. “We’re worried about him. We don’t know if he’ll be able to cope or if he’ll also be targeted by bullies,” Lerato said, hinting at the possibility of transferring him to another school.

The family is adamant that justice be served. “The teachers who tormented Joseph must be fired, and they should also take responsibility for his burial,” Lerato insisted. Joseph’s tragic death has left a young child, his mother, and five siblings to pick up the pieces and plan his funeral, which has yet to be finalized.

In response to the tragedy, the Limpopo Department of Education issued a statement expressing its sorrow over the incident. MEC Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya promised a thorough investigation into the allegations of teacher bullying. “We will leave no stone unturned until we uncover the truth behind this tragic incident,” the MEC stated, underscoring the department’s commitment to justice.

Meanwhile, Limpopo police are conducting their own investigation. Colonel Malesela Ledwaba confirmed that an inquest docket had been opened and that several individuals were being interviewed regarding the circumstances surrounding Joseph’s death. “No foul play is suspected, but the investigation is ongoing,” Ledwaba added.

As the investigations continue, the Maimela family hopes that justice will prevail and that the tragic loss of their son will serve as a reminder of the profound consequences of bullying. The emotional scars left by such torment can be invisible, but in Joseph’s case, they proved fatal.

The school community, local authorities, and the nation at large must now grapple with the urgent issue of bullying and its devastating effects on young people.