The learner died at Mediclinic Bloemfontein on Thursday after he was diagnosed with leukaemia in November 2015.

The boy's three attackers were due to be sentenced in the Jan Kempdorp Regional Court on Friday but the matter was postponed to June 22 following news of the boy's death.

Stephan Venter and Zalman Davis, both 19, have already admitted guilt on four counts of assault and one of crimen injuria. Another boy, 16, pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual assault. The fourth accused, a 15-year-old, was acquitted, but must complete social programmes. They allegedly stripped the boy of his clothes and shaved his head during an initiation process. He was also sexually assaulted with a mop.

Bartlett says further arrangements and announcements will be communicated by the Department of Education on behalf of the bereaved family.

“As the Department of Education, we have walked the road with the family, especially their son, following the incident to ensure that we provide them with the maximum support and guidance, through a time when they needed us the most. We do, however, appeal to the media to treat his death with the sensitivity and dignity it deserves, as the family is still struggling to come to terms with his death, and afford them the privacy they deserve.”

Lerato Sebe/OFM News