Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a Grade 10 learner from El-Shaddai Independent school in Vanderbijlpark in the Vaal.  

The Gauteng Education Department says the learner allegedly fell sick at home and died last Thursday. 

In a statement, the Department says that they were deeply saddened by the learner’s passing, and the department has dispatched psychosocial support teams to provide counselling and emotional assistance to the family, learners, and staff.

[MEDIA STATEMENT]: GDE welcomes conviction of a former Finance Clerk at Laerskool Akasia, who was found guilty of fraud and theft. GDE is also saddened by the unfortunate death of a Grade 10 boy learner from El-Shaddai Independent School in Vanderbijlpark. pic.twitter.com/AjLPkLVPna

— Gauteng Department of Education (@EducationGP1) November 10, 2025

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in Gauteng also sent their condolences to family and friends of Lerato Motjhadibane, the party demands for an immediate and thorough investigation into the circumstances that led to Lerato’s death.

EFF Gauteng is deeply Saddened by the Tragic Passing of 16-year-old Lerato Mochadibane, a Learner at El Sheddai High School in Vanderbijlpark, Who Took Hus Own Life After Enduring Relentless Bullying from a Fellow Learner. pic.twitter.com/FRJ7D5Dg0h

— EFF Gauteng (@EFFGautengProv) November 8, 2025