The latest suicide incident which shocked the Western Cape has brought the number of suicides by school learners to 19 in just the past two years. As reported throughout the week, a grade 12 learner at Rhenish Girls High School in Stellenbosch allegedly took her own life. Just a week ago 15-year-old Tamar Snyman who was a grade 10 learner at Scottsville High school in Kraaifontein allegedly hung herself in the school’s sickbay. It was reported that she did not feel well and was sent to the sickbay, where she committed suicide, Son reported. Both incidents are still under investigation, however.
As reported by IOL, Rhenish Principal Helmien Slabber indicated that although the school cannot give away further details, including the girl’s identity, at this stage, however, they are now offering psychological support to the learners affected by this tragedy. The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) said at the beginning of the year that 17 learners allegedly committed suicide last year. 11 in 2019, 13 in 2018, 12 in 2017, four in 2016 and three in 2015.
The department has also confirmed the death of the matriculant. According to EWN, WCED Spokesperson Bronagh Hammond, said department officials have been at the school to provide support to school management. Hammond added, that and counselling support has been provided for the grade 12 learners, which will continue for anyone who started to require assistance.
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Rhenish Girls’ grade 12 student’s alleged suicide
Picture: Cape Town Etc gallery