UPDATE: Boksburg High assault: Management keeps mum on disciplinary actions
It's now over a month since the learner was brutally attacked at the school, but the family of the victim said they are in the dark about the action taken against the perpetrators.
The parents of the Grade 11 learner who was assaulted by a group of fellow students at Boksburg High School have voiced their displeasure over what they describe as a lack of transparency regarding the school’s handling of the disciplinary hearing against the involved learners.
The mother of the victim, who asked to remain anonymous to protect her son’s identity, opened a case of assault after her son was brutally attacked on the school grounds by a group of boys on September 17. This followed claims that the victim had been ‘falsely’ accused of gossiping by one of the alleged attackers.
The violent bullying incident, captured on camera, led to the learner being rushed to hospital. The video footage shows him being physically assaulted by several fellow pupils.
Following the attack, the family demanded urgent and decisive action from both the school and the police investigating the case.
However, according to the victim’s mother, when they went to the school on October 2 for the disciplinary hearing, parents were not allowed to be present.
“When we enquired, the school told us there was no need for us to be there because the accused had pleaded guilty. They said they had already imposed a punitive sanction on one of the perpetrators but refused to tell us what sanctions were imposed, citing respect for the accused’s privacy.
“We are very disappointed because we believe that whatever action is taken against the perpetrators should be shared with us, or at least made known to deter other learners from engaging in violent acts.
“We were told that we need to send an application to the department, which I’m going to give a try and see if we will get something. We want answers. Even the parents of the other learners deserve to know what the school is doing to protect their children from bullies.
“I understand that we can’t decide what sanctions should be imposed, but what assurance do we have that the school is dealing with this problem of violence effectively?” she said.
The parent added that it has been frustrating trying to get feedback from both the school and the authorities investigating the assault.
“I was eventually able to speak to the investigating officer, and I understand that the docket is now with the prosecutors at court, but it’s still unclear when the matter will be heard. We’ve also heard that all the boys involved are back at school.”
The Gauteng Department of Education has not yet responded to repeated requests for comment.
Investigation
Boksburg police confirmed that a case of assault has been registered and that the investigation is ongoing.
Boksburg SAPS spokesperson Sergeant Ledwaba stated that, to combat violence and bullying, they frequently visit local schools to conduct searches and hold awareness talks.
“Boksburg High is one of the schools we visit regularly. Whenever a learner is attacked, we respond promptly and assist parents who wish to open a case,” he said.
Also Read: Violence rocks Boksburg high, parent of victim calls for hardline stance
