Seven teenage girls, aged 13 and 14, are facing charges of common assault after a video allegedly showing them bullying a fellow learner circulated on social media. The incident, which took place in Bellevue, Johannesburg, has sparked outrage and led to swift legal and disciplinary action.
The accused appeared in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court on Monday before being released into their parents’ custody. Meanwhile, the victim’s mother revealed that her child has threatened to self-harm if the alleged attackers are not imprisoned.
“It’s like a dream to me. I used to see this on TV and radio—now it’s happening to me,” the distraught mother said. “My child said if they don’t arrest those kids, she’s going to kill herself.”
The Gauteng Department of Education has strongly condemned the incident, emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy toward violence in schools. “We have four schools affected here, and we condemn this act as a department,” a spokesperson said. “Violence must not be perpetuated in or outside our schools. There’s no need to resort to violence, no matter the grievance.”
The accused learners have been suspended pending a disciplinary process. The case has been postponed to Wednesday for further investigation.
Authorities and school officials are working to address the situation, urging parents and students to seek non-violent resolutions to conflicts.