A 16-year-old learner is currently in the ICU at a private hospital following an alleged bullying attack by a group of fellow learners at Thuto-Lesedi Secondary School in Vosloorus.

The mother (39) told Kathorus MAIL that the incident occurred on July 23 and that her son had been admitted to Clinix Hospital shortly afterwards.

She said she was called by a staff member at the school at around 15:15 and informed that her Grade Eight son had been involved in a fight and had sustained injuries.

“When I arrived at the school, I found my son bleeding profusely and vomiting. I rushed him to a doctor, who, after initial treatment, referred him to a private hospital,” she explained.

The learner was admitted to ICU with a fractured nose and required surgery on his left eye.

The mother said her son’s friends had revealed that a group of learners had targeted him since the beginning of the school year.

“My son’s friends told me he was always hiding or running away from this group whenever he saw them on the school grounds. He told them he was afraid of them because they constantly bullied him,” she said.

She added that her son had never spoken to her about the bullying.

“This has deeply affected us as a family. The saddest part is that I didn’t know what he was going through. If I had known, I would have intervened.

“I believe he’ll need psychological support after he’s discharged from hospital, and honestly, we all need counselling as a family. The trauma has been severe.”

The mother also expressed concern that her son may not feel safe returning to school or even attending another school in Vosloorus.

“I opened a case at the Vosloorus Police Station on July 24. I received a case number, and on July 28, a detective visited me and assured me the matter is being investigated.

“Right now, I just want justice for my son. The boys who did this must be arrested. Not one of their parents has come to apologise for what happened,” she said angrily.

Departmental response

Gauteng Department of Education spokesperson Steve Mabona confirmed that the department is aware of the bullying incident, which reportedly occurred between two male learners at Thuto-Lesedi Secondary and resulted in the hospitalisation of a Grade Eight learner.

“We can confirm that the implicated Grade 10 learner was suspended, pending disciplinary processes scheduled for August 1. The outcomes will be communicated to all affected parties.

“Our psycho-social support team has also been deployed to the school to provide the necessary support,” said Mabona.

He added that the department strongly condemns any acts of misconduct that undermine the dignity of learning institutions.

“Schools are urged to enforce their codes of conduct when dealing with disciplinary issues. We continue to appeal to parents to play an active role in enforcing discipline both in and outside of school.”

Police investigation

Ekurhuleni SAPS district spokesperson Neldah Sekgobela confirmed that a case of common assault has been opened at the Vosloorus Police Station and that investigations are ongoing.