Mother Seeks Justice After 12-Year-Old Daughter Allegedly Denied Bathroom Access at Laerskool Rietfontein-Noord Primary, Leading to Humiliating Incident

Mother Seeks Justice After 12-Year-Old Daughter Allegedly Denied Bathroom Access at Laerskool Rietfontein-Noord Primary, Leading to Humiliating Incident

Mamelodi East, Pretoria - 28 January 2026

A Mamelodi East mother is calling for urgent intervention after her 12-year-old daughter allegedly suffered emotional and physical distress at Laerskool Rietfontein-Noord Primary School in Rietfontein, Pretoria, due to repeated denial of bathroom access by a teacher.

According to the mother, on 20 January 2026, her daughter requested to use the bathroom during class but was denied three times by teacher Linda Lombard. Even after classmates pleaded on the child's behalf, the request was refused. The girl, unable to hold it any longer, reportedly soiled herself while crying, just before break time.

She was forced to remain in class in her soiled uniform, enduring mockery from other pupils until the end of the school day. The incident has caused significant emotional trauma, with the child's self-esteem severely affected, she now refuses to attend school.

The family visited the school on 21 January 2026 to report the matter. They claim the school assured them the teacher would be called in, disciplined, and that contact would be made within 24 hours. No follow-up has occurred, leaving the family feeling ignored.

The mother alleges this reflects a pattern at the school: threats to children that "parents can do nothing" because the school "never loses a case," unequal treatment where black children are allegedly bullied or disadvantaged while white children receive preferential treatment, and a lack of priority given to such incidents. She believes sharing this story may encourage other pupils who have endured similar mistreatment or abuse to come forward.

The family resides in Mamelodi East D17 and is humbly requesting Mamelodi News (and the wider community/media) to help hold the teacher accountable, potentially through disciplinary action or criminal charges for negligence or cruelty toward a minor. They seek:

- Immediate investigation by the school governing body and Gauteng Department of Education.

- Support for their daughter's emotional recovery and safe return to school.

- Assurance that all children are treated fairly and protected from humiliation or discrimination.

Mamelodi News has tried a couple of times to reach the school for a comment and the number kept reaching voicemail. More updates will follow as time goes on.