Grade 10 Kid who collapsed and die on Friday last week after forced to run by teacher in the ground as punishment.

Outrage After Grade 10 Learner Dies Following Punishment at Huhudi Secondary

The community of Ganyesa, North West, is reeling after the sudden death of 16-year-old Amantle Mocumi, a Grade 10 learner at Huhudi Secondary School. She collapsed and died on Friday, August 8, 2025, after allegedly being forced to run laps as punishment for arriving late to class.

Witnesses say Amantle was among several learners disciplined by the principal and ordered to run around the schoolyard. She collapsed during the exercise and, despite attempts to revive her, was later pronounced dead at a nearby clinic.

Her mother, Kenalemang Mocumi, described the devastating moment she arrived at the school: “I found my child lying on the floor, her shirt removed, only in her sports bra. It was clear she had long passed.” She stressed that Amantle had no history of fainting or illness, fueling the family’s suspicions of negligence or foul play.

The North West Department of Education confirmed the tragedy, saying the learner suffered a medical emergency during school hours. Spokesperson Mphata Molokwane said the principal had contacted the family and called for an ambulance, but with delays, Amantle’s mother and a teacher rushed her to the clinic, where she was declared dead. Post-mortem results are pending.

Provincial MEC for Education Viola Motsumi visited the grieving family, extending condolences and pledging support. Psychosocial teams have been deployed to counsel classmates, staff, and relatives.

The incident has sparked national outrage, reviving debates around corporal punishment, which remains outlawed under the 1997 Abolishing of Corporal Punishment Act and reinforced by the BELA Act. Education activist Hendrick Makaneta condemned the tragedy as a “serious failure of duty of care,” insisting the principal and school leadership be held accountable.

The ANC Youth League in Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati District echoed the call, accusing the department of shielding the principal. District coordinator Kagiso Kgabo demanded the immediate suspension of the principal and a forensic investigation.

On social media, tributes poured in alongside anger. “No one dies from just running unless there’s an underlying issue—justice must be served for Amantle,” one user wrote.

The education department has since cautioned schools against using physical exercise as punishment, warning it can harm learners and is unlawful.

With the principal reportedly on sick leave and investigations underway, Amantle’s death has devastated her family and cast a harsh spotlight on unsafe disciplinary practices. The tragedy has left the community mourning—and calling for justice