WCED appeals not to speculate regarding demise of MPlain learner

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has appealed to the community not to speculate on the cause of death of a leaner from Mitchell’s Plain. It is reported that Niyaaz Smith died by suicide after allegedly being bullied by his peers at Spine Road High School.

COURTESY - Social Media: Niyaaz Smith

However, police confirmed to Bush Radio News that a post mortem will be conducted to ascertain the cause of death.

‘’Lentegeur police responded to a complaint on Wednesday 19 February 2025. Upon arrival at the crime scene in Allexis Preller in New Woodlands, they found the body of a 14-year-old male. The victim was declared deceased on the scene by the medical personnel. The circumstances surrounding this incident are now under investigation. A post mortem will be conducted to determine the cause of death. Lentegeur police registered an inquest for further investigation,’’ said Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi, Western Cape police spokesperson.

The WCED said counselling has been provided for those affected.

''The WCED has been informed of the death of a Grade 9 learner. We are concerned about the various stories speculating what led to the incident. Various allegations are being put on social media - one such incident is that the learner is being bullied. the school however confirmed that there is no previous reports of bullying involving the learner at the school. It is not yet clear if any of the allegations on social media are related at all to the incident. The WCED is investigating but also ask that we do not speculate until such information is confirmed.''

The African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) has expressed sadness towards the incident

‘’Words cannot fully convey the sadness of losing a young man in the prime of his life,  The passing of 14 year old Niyaaz Smith, a Grade 8 learner at Spine Road High School comes as a tremendous shock to family and friends. We will never know the pain and sorrow his family must feel at his untimely passing. We pray that Almighty God in His great mercy would draw close to them in this sorrowful time.’’

‘’Our prayers, condolences and sympathies are with his father Ebrahim and mother Miriam, his brothers, 17 year old Zaheir and 7 year Hakeen, their family, relatives and friends. Zaheir is a Matric learner at Spine Road High School. We also extend our heartfelt condolences to the teachers, staff and learners of Spine Road High School and the broader community. The passing of Niyaaz is one death to many.’’

Christians says the cause and reason for the death of Niyaaz must be investigated so that it does not happen again. Death by suicide is a tragedy that can be averted and must be averted at all costs. He called on every role player in society; schools, SAPS, Western Cape Education Department, Social Development and others to join forces to prevent death by suicide.

Smith will be laid to rest on Friday, as per Muslim rites. 

Done By: Mitchum George