It’s too painful: Mother of beaten Bedfordview High learner reacts to viral video
The violent attack was recorded and shared online, prompting outrage. Seven learners, including those from other schools, have been suspended and face criminal charges.
The mother of the Bedfordview High School learner who was assaulted by a group of girls in Yeoville on May 10 said she still cannot bring herself to watch the video to the end.
She said the ordeal has left her family emotionally overwhelmed and deeply shaken.
She told the News that her daughter was lured to a house in Yeoville under the pretext of buying food.
ALSO READ: Education Minister condemns Bedfordview school assault (video)
“Two girls showed up at our house on May 9, one of the girls lives where my child was assaulted.
“The girls and my daughter used to be friends, but before that Friday, it had been a while since I last saw them.
@bedfordview.edenv Bedfordview High girl assaulted by learners from multiple schools after they lured the girl to a house in Yeoville, Johannesburg before the attack. Gauteng Department of Education has launched an investigation. #Schoolbullying
“They used to visit our home, and I would cook and iron for them before they would go to church.
“They first came to see her on Friday and said they should go buy food, but because it was late, my daughter said that I would not approve.
“That’s when they decided that they would come back on that Saturday (May 10),” she explained.
Upon arrival, the girl discovered that six other girls were present, and the situation quickly escalated into a violent assault.
The attack was filmed by one of the perpetrators and later circulated on social media, causing widespread outrage.
According to the mother, her daughter was assaulted because one of the girls had a crush on another girl who was dating the victim’s friend.
ALSO READ: WATCH: Bedfordview learner’s attack by group goes viral
“The others joined in because they said they hadn’t beaten anyone in a while. They also accused my daughter of making derogatory comments about their appearances,” added the mother.
After the assault, the perpetrators reportedly apologised and took photos to make it appear as if nothing had happened.
Thereafter, they started sharing the videos on their WhatsApp statuses, and that’s how her daughter came to find out that they were sharing the videos.
The victim showed visible signs of injury, including missing braids and hair, prompting her mother to seek medical attention.
A doctor confirmed bruises, and they were advised to report the incident to the police and obtain a J88 medical report.
“I feel like I’m losing my mind. I can’t even sleep or eat. I don’t even know what to do or how best to help my daughter,” she added.
She also stated that when they first approached their local police station, they were told the perpetrators were minors and would not be arrested, suggesting the matter should be resolved privately with the parents.
Feeling helpless, she requested that each parent pay R3 000 for the harm caused to her daughter; however, only one parent paid R1 000, which is now being used against her in court.
ALSO READ: Watch: Seven suspended after video of attack on Bedfordview schoolgirl goes viral
The Gauteng Department of Education condemned the assault, with seven learners facing charges of common assault.
The implicated learners include pupils from Bedfordview High School and other schools.
All have been suspended and appeared in court on May 19 and 21, with the next appearances scheduled for May 28.
The department emphasised the importance of fostering safe, respectful, and supportive learning environments and called on parents to play an active role in shaping their children’s values and conduct.
The GDE had urged all learners to speak out against bullying and any form of violence, whether directed at them or their peers.
The department said silence only protects the aggressor, and that can lead to more misconduct.
Learners are encouraged to report incidents to a trusted teacher, school leadership, parents or guardians, or at the nearest GDE district office.
For additional support, learners may freely contact the South African Depression and Anxiety Group on 0800 567 567 or reach out to Childline South Africa on 116.
Both are free, confidential, and available 24/7.
Incidents of bullying or violence may also be reported directly to the GDE via WhatsApp on 060 891 0361 or through the GDE contact centre on 0800 000 789.
