What started as a bullying incident has led to a Grade Seven Forest Hill Primary School learner being booked off for a month for severe depression and post-traumatic stress reaction.

The learner reported bullying at school on January 28, saying three learners beat him and threatened to stab him with the scissors they were carrying. According to his parents, this incident was not the first; previously, these boys took his lunchbox, fought him in the toilets and poured water over his books.

The parents opened an assault case at the Booysens Police Station after the learner was taken to the Mulbarton Hospital for treatment.

“We engaged the principal and the Institutional Development and Support Officials from the district. However, we are unhappy. The principal is taking the side of these boys and only dismissed this, claiming our son is ‘spoilt’ and ‘troublesome’. This is a lie, as we were never called to the school regarding his behaviour.

“Our son has not attended school since January 28 and cries every day. We are worried about this situation. The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) is usually quick to attend funerals of learners, whereas this could have been prevented. We are afraid the situation could worsen. He must be moved to another school if this matter is not resolved,” they said.

The doctor has since booked the learner off for the month of February and recommended that he be transferred to another school and attend therapy with a psychologist.

GDE spokesperson Steve Mabona confirmed that they are aware of the incident and view such allegations seriously.

“We intervened and called the parents to the school to discuss the matter. The meeting resolved that the learner be moved to a new class. However, the learner refused to adhere to the decision by the school.

“Accordingly, a counselling session was scheduled for the victim on January 30 for reintegration with the school social worker and the alleged perpetrators. However, the said learner was absent that day. Our psycho-social team was advised to arrange another date to provide necessary support to all affected learners, as their well-being remains a priority.

“The said learners’ parents reported to the SAPS Children Social Crime Department for further investigation and intervention,” explained Mabona.