Mother Fights Back After Daughter’s Suicide Attempt Linked to School Interrogation

Cape Town mother turns to Equality Court and CCMA, alleging school mishandled trauma and violated her child’s rights

A mother’s heartbreak is now a human rights battle. After her 13-year-old daughter attempted suicide earlier this year, a former teacher at a southern suburbs primary school has taken the fight to the Equality Court and the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA). She believes the trauma her daughter endured at school and the mishandling of it, pushed the young girl to the edge.

The child’s ordeal began when she was questioned alone by a deputy principal, without her mother’s consent or knowledge. The alleged interrogation followed claims that the girl had shared sensitive information related to her mother’s employment at the school. What exactly that information entailed remains unclear, but the fallout has been devastating.

From Interrogation to ICU: A Family Torn Apart

Speaking out publicly, the mother, who has asked for privacy for the sake of her daughter, said the questioning session took place just one day before her child’s suicide attempt.

“She was interrogated alone, without me there, without support, and without counselling afterwards. A serious breach of confidentiality had already occurred. No one protected her. That’s when everything started to unravel,” she said.

After the incident in March, the girl stayed home for weeks and was diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Despite promises, the family says they received no psychological support from the school. Adding to the trauma, the mother alleges that the school principal read a letter during a staff meeting that named her daughter and discussed the confidential issue in front of colleagues.

“I was removed from the staff mailing list, so I didn’t even know about the letter until a concerned colleague shared it with me. That letter put my child in the crosshairs of gossip and stigma. One teacher even asked another learner whether she felt safe playing with my daughter. Imagine what that does to a 13-year-old.”

Taking the Fight to Court: Equality, Dignity, and a Call for Change

Now, the mother is seeking redress under Sections 9 (Equality), 10 (Dignity), and 28 (Best Interests of the Child) of the Constitution, along with the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act (PEPUDA).

“This is not just about my daughter,” she said. “It’s about how schools respond to trauma. It’s about equality, dignity, and children’s rights. I want the department to train staff on handling emotional crises. And I want an apology, for my daughter and our family.”

Education Department Responds, But Doubts Remain

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) confirmed the matter was reported in March 2025 and investigated. According to WCED spokesperson Millicent Merton, the learner was questioned in relation to a “transgression,” which then “revealed the parent’s misconduct.” The department claims the school took a “restorative approach” and offered support through a school counsellor.

Merton added that the district arranged sessions with a psychologist, but the parent allegedly cancelled two of them. The WCED also facilitated a school transfer at the family’s request.

But the mother insists no real effort was made to prioritise her daughter’s well-being or her own rights as both parent and educator.

Dismissed Without a Hearing: Union Steps In

The mother’s case has also reached the CCMA, where the National Professional Teachers’ Organisation of South Africa (Naptosa) is representing her. They argue that she was dismissed unfairly, without a formal hearing or the chance to cross-examine witnesses.

“The dismissal was based purely on written submissions,” said a Naptosa spokesperson. “We believe our member’s rights to a fair process were violated. The employer didn’t even attend the CCMA conciliation. The case is now set for arbitration.”

Public Reaction: “This Could Be Any Child”

News of the case has sparked outrage on social media. Many users expressed shock that a child could be interrogated without parental consent and even more disturbed by the lack of trauma-informed care.

“This could be any child, in any school,” one user wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “Why aren’t our schools better trained in child psychology?”

Others are demanding accountability from the WCED, with hashtags like #JusticeForOurChildren and #ProtectLearnersNow starting to trend locally.

The legal process is still unfolding. The Equality Court will weigh in on the constitutional and human rights dimensions of the case, while the CCMA handles the labour dispute.

But for one mother and daughter, the damage is already done. Their lives and trust in the system, have been forever changed.

“I want my daughter to know that what happened to her mattered,” the mother said. “That she has rights. That she is not invisible.”

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, contact the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) at 0800 567 567 or send a WhatsApp message to 076 882 2775. Help is available.

{Source: IOL}

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