By Washira Helene
The family of Mbong Vera, a student at COHAS College in Douala, who died after receiving two strokes in school, has contested the official narrative surrounding her demise.
The 13-year-old died at the Deido District Hospital on Thursday after allegedly receiving two strokes as a form of punishment for failing to complete a week-long assignment.
But her guardians, consisting her uncle and aunty, vehemently rejects the notion that just two strokes could lead to her sudden death.
The tragic incident has sent shockwaves through COHAS College, prompting Vera’s guardians to demand justice for their daughter.
The family arrived at the institution on Thursday morning, expressing deep disbelief and sorrow over the circumstances surrounding Vera’s death.
According to them, Vera was in good health when she left home on Wednesday morning for school, casting doubt on the claim that only two strokes caused her demise.
Vera’s Uncle and Aunty, visibly distressed and angered, sought to confront the teacher responsible for the alleged punishment.
However, they were informed that the teacher had been taken into custody by the gendarmerie.
Determined to seek answers, the family rushed to the Ndongue gendarmerie in Bepanda, only to be told that the teacher was not present, leaving them in a state of frustration.
Colleagues of the accused teacher, Arrey Clement, reported that he voluntarily surrendered to the gendarmerie after the incident and has been detained since yesterday.
Access to him has been restricted, heightening tensions between the grieving family and the authorities.
Earlier on Thursday, the Senior Divisional Officer (SDO) of Douala visited the school, spending hours in the Principal’s office.
Following the meeting, the SDO appealed to the school community to resume normal activities, asserting that “what has happened, has happened.” However, the family’s quest for justice persists.
The body of Mbong Vera is currently being kept at the Deido mortuary as her family and friends continue to mourn her.
Family, friends, and fellow students grapple with the sorrow of her sudden departure, while the unresolved circumstances surrounding her death cast a shadow over COHAS College.
