The assault of an 11-year-old pupil, a learner from Phehello Primary School, has once again come into the spotlight, with the Congress of South African Students (COSAS) citing that there has been no feedback given to the family.

The incident occurred on March 3 when a parent allegedly gained entry to the school by claiming he needed to see the principal. Instead of heading to the office, the father went straight to a Grade Six classroom where he reportedly dragged an 11-year-old girl outside. Witnesses say he assaulted the child in front of other pupils, even using his safety boots to step on her.

COSAS believes that the incident should have triggered immediate protection, investigation, and accountability.

The organisation recently accompanied the victim’s family to the District Office, only to discover that officials there had no record of the case.

“Shockingly, this matter was irregularly closed at the school level, without the knowledge or formal authorisation of the District Office,” COSAS said in a statement.

Documentation only surfaced on March 23, nearly three weeks after the assault took place. According to COSAS, the victim continues to suffer from serious physical injuries and psychological trauma.

” Even more disturbing is the fact that the alleged perpetrator continues to access the school freely, with no apparent restrictions.”

While the Gauteng Department of Education previously condemned the attack and held a stakeholder meeting on March 5, COSAS argues that there has been no visible disciplinary or legal action.

COSAS demands:

• Immediate criminal investigation and arrest of the perpetrator
• Urgent medical and psychosocial intervention for the victim
• A full, transparent report from the District
• Accountability for all officials who failed to act
• Immediate restriction of the perpetrator’s access to the school
• Intervention by the Gauteng Department of Education

The education department has stated that the police are handling the criminal case, and an internal investigation is underway to determine the next steps. However, as of May 4, the family remains desperate for answers, claiming the system has failed to protect their child or act with any sense of urgency.