screengrab from social media
Seven high school learners from Gauteng appeared in the Johannesburg Magistrates' Court on Monday on charges of common assault.
Spokesperson for the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE), Steve Mabona, says the girls, in Grades 8, 9 and 10, were all suspended after a disturbing video of them allegedly assaulting a fellow learner went viral on social media.
He says four girls are from Bedfordview High, one from Queens High School, and the other two from Kensington High School and Phoenix College, respectively.
Mabona says the incident happened on the 10th of May at a house in Yeoville where the learners reside.
He says the 14-year-old victim reported the incident the day it happened, and the learners were swiftly suspended.
The schools have begun internal investigations into the learners' misconduct, which align with the codes of conduct and applicable disciplinary procedures from both schools. The Department will provide psycho-social support to all affected learners, including the victim.
"The GDE strongly condemns such acts of violence among learners. Violent behaviour among learners, whether within school grounds or beyond, is unacceptable and will carry serious consequences that may affect learners’ education and long-term prospects. He added that fostering safe, respectful, and supportive learning environments is a top priority for the Department.
The seven teenagers appeared in court for a preliminary inquiry (PLI) as dictated by the Child Justice Act.
The Act states that such an inquiry should be held within 48 hours of arresting a minor child to determine, among other things, their personal circumstances, backgrounds, and any factors that may have led to the commission of the alleged offence.
The case was postponed to Wednesday, as two minors have undergone the necessary assessment by Probation Officers.
Spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority in Gauteng, Phindi Mjonondwane, condemned the alleged attack.
