Independent team to probe Nhlanhla Tshabalala’s death

By: Natasha Archary

Gauteng MEC for Education, Panyaza Lesufi has appointed an independent investigative law firm to probe the Nhlanhla Tshabalala’s death.

The Grade 10 learned died after allegedly being assaulted at Tsakane Secondary School, in Brakpan on Tuesday, 8 March.

It is alleged that the 15-year old who attended another school, went to fetch his confiscated cellphone and schoolbag when the incident occured.

An altercation between a teacher, security guard and the boy ensued, after they claimed Tshabalala was armed.

According to the MEC’s statement the boy was found with a toy gun.

He was visiting his girlfriend who attends Tsakane Secondary School.

The circumstances around Nhlanhla Tshabalala’s death are concerning, as several eye witness accounts point to a teacher and guard assaulting the boy.

Videos that circulated of the incident, show the boy pinned to the ground while being beaten. It is alleged Tshabalala was beaten with golf clubs.

Lesufi said Tshabalala was removed from the school premises by police and escorted home. His family drove him to Pholosong Hospital where he was certified dead.

MEC Lesufi visited the boy’s family on Monday to extend his condolences and assured the family that a team will be investigating the boy’s death.

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