Tragedy Grade 9 Learner Dies by Suicide, Leaves Behind Emotional Note

The small rural community of Luvhimbi in Limpopo is struggling to come to terms with the devastating death of 15-year-old Grade 9 learner, Akonaho Masikhwa, who took his own life earlier this week. The tragedy has not only left his family shattered but has also sparked anger and outrage among parents, learners, and community members across the province.

Akonaho, described by his family as a quiet, respectful, and hard-working boy, was found dead in his home on Tuesday evening. A relative discovered his lifeless body with a rope around his neck. Next to him, police found a handwritten note that has since shaken the entire community. In the note, the teenager accused two of his teachers of subjecting him to daily bullying, verbal abuse, and humiliation.

“I have had enough of the teachers bullying me. Every single day, they make my life a living nightmare,” the heartbreaking note read.

The Bababa Secondary School pupil revealed in his message that he could no longer endure the ridicule he faced in front of classmates, particularly over his poor background. He specifically accused teachers of mocking students who came from disadvantaged families, singling him out repeatedly and causing him unbearable shame.

Growing anger in the community

In the days following the tragedy, Luvhimbi has been gripped by anger and grief. Parents, learners, and residents have staged protests outside Bababa Secondary School, demanding that the teachers named in the note be immediately suspended and investigated. Many parents claim that the abuse of disadvantaged learners has been an open secret at the school for years, but complaints were often ignored or dismissed by management.

Some learners have since come forward, alleging that teachers would laugh at pupils who did not have proper uniforms, stationery, or lunch money. Others said they were humiliated during assemblies and made to feel “less than human” compared to students from wealthier families.

Akonaho’s mother, still struggling to come to terms with her son’s death, revealed that he had confided in her days earlier. According to her, he told her he was tired of being insulted in class and embarrassed in front of other learners. “He said the teachers made him feel worthless,” she said, breaking down as she recounted his final words to her.

Limpopo Education Department steps in

The Limpopo Department of Education has confirmed the incident and promised to conduct a full-scale investigationinto the conduct of the teachers and the culture of the school. Department officials visited Bababa Secondary School on Wednesday, where they met with staff, learners, and community leaders.

In a short statement, the school principal expressed “profound sorrow” over Akonaho’s death but refused to comment on the allegations of bullying, saying that an internal investigation was underway. Parents and community leaders, however, say this response is not enough. They argue that the school must take full responsibility for failing to protect vulnerable learners.

Education MEC officials have described the incident as a wake-up call, promising that any educators found guilty of bullying or mistreating learners will face disciplinary action, suspension, or even dismissal.

Signs ignored, culture of silence exposed

Stolen WhatsApp chats between learners that surfaced after the suicide revealed that Akonaho was not alone in his suffering. In the chats, some pupils admitted they had reported bullying to staff, but their concerns were dismissed as “teenage drama.” Others said they simply stopped speaking out for fear of being targeted further.

Community leaders say this exposes a toxic culture within some rural schools, where teachers allegedly abuse their authority without fear of consequences. “This boy’s death is a reflection of a system that has failed him,” said one local activist during a vigil outside the school. “Bullying by teachers is not just cruel—it is deadly.”

Vigils and funeral plans

As the news of Akonaho’s death spreads, vigils have been held outside Bababa Secondary School. Mourners have lit candles, prayed, and demanded justice for the young boy. His funeral is expected to take place this weekend, with hundreds of people from across Limpopo expected to attend.

For the Masikhwa family, the grief is unbearable. His relatives say he had dreams of becoming a teacher one day so he could inspire other children in his village. Instead, his life was cut short by the very system that was supposed to protect and nurture him.

A call for change

South Africans across social media have reacted with anger and heartbreak, using hashtags like #JusticeForAkonaho and #StopTeacherBullying to demand accountability. Many argue that stricter policies must be put in place to protect learners from abusive educators. Others are calling for immediate mental health support in schools to prevent further tragedies.