Middelburg pupil Siphamandla Choma (14) dies

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Middelburg pupil Siphamandla Choma (14) dies
FILE IMAGE: Education MEC Reginah Mhaule visits Siphamandla Choma in hospital. Caxton

A 14 year-old learner who was allegedly assaulted by his school principal last year has died at the Middelburg hospital.


The department of education confirmed that Siphomandla Choma succumbed to his death last night at the hospital.

Siphamandla was allegedly assaulted by his school principal after he accused him and his friend of stealing R150.

In a statement on Monday, the Mpumalanga health department said they were in the process of conducting a postmortem to determine the cause of death.

“The department of health can confirm that our patient who was admitted in Middelburg hospital following an alleged beating by a school principal has died,” they said.

“The department of education receives the sad news with shock as Siphamandla Choma was one of our learners from Manyano Primary school,” says departmental spokesman Jasper Zwane.

The MEC for education, Reginah Mhaule and MEC for health Gillion Mashego extended their heartfelt condolences to the family, the school and everyone who is affected by the latest development.

The principal has been suspended and charged with misconduct in the first session of the disciplinary hearing that took place last week Friday.

SEE ALSO: Middelburg principal to be charged with misconduct

Earlier this Month MEC Mhaule revealed to the media during a press briefing that Choma’s health was deteriorating.

Choma was moved from Emalahleni hospital to Middelburg for better treatment.

The department received a lawsuit of R25 million from Choma’s family lawyer.

(edited by BM)

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