By Mpumzi Mshweshwe:
The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has condemned the bullying and attacks on a Bedfordview High student by fellow students. The incident was first reported to the school on Monday, 12 May, after the pupil was attacked at one of the houses in Yeoville, where the pupils reside. The girl was seen on a widely circulated video where she was allegedly assaulted by seven students, who appeared before the Johannesburg Magistrates’ court on 19 May 2025.
Their appearance was for a Preliminary Inquiry (PLI) as dictated by the Child Justice Act. The Act states that a PLI should be held within 48 hours of a minor child’s arrest to determine their personal circumstances, background, and other factors that led to the commission of the alleged crime.
The GDE promised to provide psycho-social support to all affected learners, including the victim. The GDE spoke out against the incident and condemned such acts of violence among pupils. “Violent behaviour among learners, whether within school grounds or beyond, is unacceptable and will carry serious consequences that may affect learners’ education and long-term prospects,” the GDE said.
Learners were encouraged to speak out on any sort of violence or act of bullying that they witnessed or experienced. The department emphasised how keeping silent only protected the aggressor, which would lead to more misconduct.
“Learners are encouraged to report incidents to a trusted teacher, school leadership, their parents or guardians, or the nearest Gauteng Department of Education district office,” the GDE said. The case has been postponed to today, 21 May, for the finalisation of the PLI. – @NewsSA_Online
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