The Scottsville High School community in Kraaifontein is in mourning following the suicide of a girl at the school on Tuesday.
The 15-year-old Grade 10 learner, who was fondly known as “Happy Chappy” in her community, hanged herself in the school’s infirmary.
The body of Tamar Snyman was discovered by a teacher just before 1pm.
Western Cape Education Department spokesperson Bronagh Hammond says: “The Grade 10 learner reportedly said she was not feeling well and was sent to the sick bay at the school where she reportedly committed suicide.
“We are saddened by this young loss of life and our thoughts are with the family, friends and the whole school community.”
Tamar’s hartseer father Arnold Snyman, 51, says his daughter was a top student and her suicide has left everyone in shock.
“This has come as a great shock to us,” the crying father tells the Daily Voice.
“My wife Tamsyn and I never expected this because Tamar was a happy child at home.
“She was one of the school’s top students, here you can see all her certificates.”
The dad admits things have been tough at home because he’s been out of work for three years and they’ve been struggling to get by, and this may be the reason why his daughter killed herself.
“But Tamar was not one to complain,” he says.
A 14-year-old school friend says she saw Tamar during second break on Tuesday looking upset.
“She gave me a hug and I could see that she had cried after she had a chat with a teacher,” the meisie says.
“When the school bell rang at 1pm instead of 1.30pm, we knew something bad happened because then the police vans also pulled up; little did I know it was for my friend.
“When I got home, I got a strange feeling and I walked to Tamar’s house and got her brother and he said they found someone dead at the school.
“There was no one else at Tamar’s house and I had a hole in my tummy, and then I heard that she hanged herself at the school,” the girl cries.
Ouma Elize Snyman, 76, described her grandchild as a loving girl who was dedicated to school.
“She always woke me up in the morning before she went to school. She would not leave without greeting us,” ouma says.
She says Tamar may have planned her suicide as she left a letter behind.
The reason for her suicide has yet to be clarified.
“She said in it how much she loves her friends and family and how she is going to miss everyone.
“I’m going to miss her so much, her favourite programme was Keeping up with the Kardashians.
“Everyone loved Tamar and used to call her Happy Chappy.”
SAPS’ Andrè Traut confirms: “The circumstances surrounding the death of a 15-year-old learner at a school in Kraaifontein are being investigated. A death inquest case docket has been registered.”