Limpopo boy (6) found hanging in school toilet

Police refuse to comment on suicide speculation

Limpopo police yesterday called for strong child-safety measures at schools, to ensure the safety of pupils.

This after the death of a sixyear-old pupil who was found hanging in the toilet of a Seshego school in Polokwane, in a suspected suicide.

The incident happened at Dorothy Langa primary school in Zone 2. Mohau Mamaregane was found around noon on Friday by his Grade 1 classmate.

Police spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Moatshe Ngoepe said when Mamaregane did not return to the class, another pupil was sent to look for him.

“The boy was transported to the local clinic where he was confirmed dead on arrival,” said Ngoepe yesterday.

He would not comment on speculation that Mamaregane committed suicide, saying their investigation was still continuing.

“The circumstances surrounding Mamaregane’s death are still unknown. The autopsy will help to determine the cause of death,” he said.

Ngoepe said teachers should be vigilant at schools and monitor pupils’ movements and whereabouts to ensure the safety of the learners.

Limpopo department of education spokesman Naledzani Rasila said their officials were also investigating the incident.

“We do not want to speculate hence we have requested our officials to investigate. We have organised counseling for pupils and teachers at the school, including family members,” Rasila said.

SA Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) operations director Cassey Chambers said it was uncommon for a child as young as Mamaregane to take his own life.

“We obviously do not know the details, but for a six-year-old to have so many problems that the only way to end them was to commit suicide is terrible and unimaginable,” Chambers said.

Chambers said the incident was the third involving children in the past 10 days. This after a 12-year-old pupil was found hanging in Alexandra, northern Johannesburg, and another nine-year-old died in a similar incident in Mpumalanga.

“It is shocking, children should not be feeling so depressed that suicide is the only option. The first job will be to provide debriefing to the learners, teachers, family and the other parents at the school,” she said.

People who need help to deal with depression can contact Sadag Suicide Crisis tollfree helpline on 0800-567-567.