Brilliant Form 2 Student, 11, Dies By Suicide Over Bullying At Private School

Brilliant Pupil Who Skipped Two Grades Dies By Suicide After School Bullying

An 11-year-old academic prodigy, who had skipped two grades to learn with much older students, has died by suicide. The Form Two student’s body was found hanging in his Harare bedroom last Friday, with family members pointing to serious, unaddressed bullying at his private school as the cause of this tragic loss.

The community is reeling from the death of Mike Gava, a brilliant pupil whose exceptional intellect saw him advance two classes at Istudy Centre in Harare. His body was discovered at his home on Friday, January 23, 2026, and he was laid to rest at Glen Forest Cemetery just two days later on Sunday, January 25.

A Mother’s Heartbreaking Loss

Mike was the first-born child of politician Tendai Wenyika, who is now navigating profound grief. She described her son as a remarkable boy whose potential was cut devastatingly short.

“He was my comforter, my hope, and my future. I lost my first-born when I had so much faith in his potential.”

H-Metro reports that Wenyika emphasised that her 11-year-old son was navigating a social environment with older peers due to his academic leaps. She expressed deep pain over how the school handled conflicts involving her young son.

“He was too young to face such public humiliation. The teacher should have shown him the love and care of a mother, using kind words instead.”

Allegations Of Unheard Pleas And A Final Straw

Sources allege that Mike, despite his brilliance, endured sustained bullying at the school and that his cries for help were ignored. The situation reportedly escalated last week. A domestic worker recounted the final incident that led to Mike’s suspension, which occurred while his mother was abroad on business.

“He had a misunderstanding with one of the students, he clapped him (slapped him) and the matter was taken to their teacher,” said the maid.

The maid then detailed the tragic sequence of events at home, stating Mike refused a meal before retiring to his room, where he was later found.

A Parent’s Call For Equal Treatment

The tragedy has ignited strong feelings amongst the school community. One parent voiced allegations of discriminatory treatment, connecting it directly to the bullying Mike faced.

“We’ve heard about the bullying he faced from the white students, yet no action was taken. When Mike fought back, the school revealed its true colours. It’s crucial for the school to treat all students equally.”

Danny Auckhurst, the director of Istudy Centre, was not available for comment. Tendai Wenyika confirmed the school authorities had offered their apologies for the incident. A memorial service for Mike is scheduled at the school for Friday, January 30.