5-year-old pupil’s death at Coronationville school being investigated after conflicting accounts

There are conflicting accounts of how 5-year-old Manqoba Mnisi died while at Bernard Isaacs Primary School in Coronationville. Picture: Facebook/The Teddy Bear Foundation The death of five-year-old Manqoba Mnisi at Bernard Isaacs Primary School in Coronationville, Johannesburg, has left his family shattered and the community demanding answers. Manqoba, a Grade R pupil, allegedly died after being left alone in a classroom during a school function.

According to reports from the family and community members, after the young boy was left unattended, he attempted to climb out of a classroom window, became stuck and suffocated. It is further alleged that no one heard his cries for help amid the noise of the function taking place on the school premises. However, the school allegedly told the family that Manqoba was found lifeless next to a toilet – a version of events that has raised serious concerns about transparency and accountability.

The grieving family has questioned why there are conflicting accounts about where and how the child was found. The Gauteng Department of Education confirmed the incident on Tuesday, 10 February 2026. “The department has instituted investigations into the matter and the outcomes will be communicated in due course once all processes have been concluded.” The department did not provide further details on the circumstances surrounding the child’s death.

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Manqoba’s family said they are still seeking answers and justice. They have alleged that the school has refused to return the child’s clothes and school bag. They also claim that the teacher involved has since disappeared.

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