A Soweto mother is questioning the circumstances surrounding the death of her five-year-old son, Manqoba Mnisi, after the school attributed his death to a fall in a toilet cubicle. Bongiwe Mnisi reports that she observed no visible bruises on her son’s body at the hospital.
Concerns Raised Over School’s Account
Manqoba, a Grade R pupil at Bernard Isaacs Primary School in Coronationville, had only been attending the school for five days when he died. His mother has rejected the school’s explanation, stating that his head was bent backwards and she noticed dried blood around his mouth, cracks on his lips, and mucus coming from his nose.
According to teachers, Manqoba was found lying on his back in the toilet, and CPR was attempted before he was transported to the hospital where he was pronounced dead. However, Mnisi disputes the account of a simple fall, stating, “Something sinister must have happened to my child.”
Trauma and Unanswered Questions
Manqoba’s death comes just a year after he witnessed the murder of his father during a hijacking. His mother described how the trauma left him fearful of being alone or in parked cars, once prompting him to ask her to call the police while at a filling station.
Further doubt has been cast on the school’s version of events by messages Mnisi received from other parents and an anonymous source. One anonymous message alleges that Manqoba was left alone in a locked classroom and became stuck while trying to escape through a window, and was found unresponsive.
Another parent reportedly told Mnisi that their child had seen Manqoba with a wire around his neck, leading the child to believe he had taken his own life.
Investigations Underway
Mnisi has called for a full investigation into her son’s death. Police have opened an inquest docket and are investigating the circumstances. The Gauteng education department has also stated it will conduct its own investigation, expressing dissatisfaction with the school’s initial explanation.
Education MEC Matome Chiloane stated that the department is awaiting comprehensive reports before determining the next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the school tell Manqoba’s mother about his death?
The school told Bongiwe Mnisi that her son had fallen in a toilet cubicle, hit the back of his head, and stopped breathing.
What concerns does Manqoba’s mother have about the school’s account?
Manqoba’s mother says she did not see any bruises on his body and noticed other injuries, such as dried blood around his mouth and mucus coming from his nose, which she believes are inconsistent with a simple fall.
Are authorities investigating Manqoba’s death?
Yes, police have opened an inquest docket and are investigating the circumstances of his death. The Gauteng education department is also conducting its own investigation.
What further questions need to be answered to provide clarity and closure for Manqoba’s family?
