SEBOKENG – A local family is demanding justice after their 11-year-old daughter was severely assaulted by another student’s father inside Phehello Primary School.

The shocking incident happened on March 3 in Zone 14. It is reported that the man tricked school patrollers by claiming he needed to see the principal. Once inside, he headed straight for a Grade 6 classroom.

According to reports, the man’s daughter pointed out the victim as someone she had fought with previously. The father then allegedly pulled the young girl outside and assaulted her in front of other pupils, reportedly stepping on her with his safety boots.

It is said that the class teacher, who was on her way to her class when this happened, intervened.
The mother of the victim says she rushed to the school after receiving an alarming call.

“On arrival, my daughter was in a very bad state. She had been badly beaten.”

The mother says that since the incident, she has seen her daughter’s physical and mental health deteriorate.

“My child is no longer the same. She was once bubbly and very inquisitive. She has grown very quiet and now has anxiety attacks, which she never had before.”

The victim also has severe back pain and trouble passing urine. The family claims the principal failed to call the police immediately or provide counselling for their traumatised daughter.

The National association of School Governing Bodies (NASGB) in Sedibeng District denounced the brutal act, calling it a gross violation of the child’s rights. Speaking to Ster North, secretary Thabiso Radebe said it is shameful that child abuse is normalised in society.

“This assault takes place during human rights month. We note that this Barbaric incident highlights the failure by the school principal, the patrollers who were on duty on the day, for failing to stop the man who is reported to have been visibly angry, demanding to get access into the premises.”

He blamed the school for a security breach, noting that the angry man was allowed to walk through the premises unescorted. Radebe said the school’s management and SGB must account for the gross negligence.

Sebokeng Police spokesperson Sergeant Nthabiseng Mokachane confirmed that the man was arrested. He has since been released on warning pending further investigation.

“A common assault case docket has been opened, and investigations are ongoing.”

This is a developing story. Ster North  is awaiting  comment from the Gauteng Department of Education.