WHILE the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) says it has found an alternative school for a 14-year-old boy who was bullied and smeared with faeces, police confirmed they are investigating a case of common assault.
The Grade 8 learner was bullied by four boys who attacked him inside a toilet cubicle on January 31.
After the incident, the boy told his mother he didn’t want to go back to school because he didn’t want to be a laughing stock.
Yesterday Leiden High School learners protested in support of the victim and refused to go back to class.
The WCED said they were there and after speaking to the protesters, classes resumed.
WCED Spokesperson Bronagh Hammond also said they have found an alternative school for the victim.
“There was a protest outside the school. The WCED sent officials to the school to address the learners and they returned to class. Teaching resumed, and the school operated as normal.
“Law enforcement and police officials were also on the premises to ensure safety and stability.
“We understand that this alleged incident has many people upset. The allegations are disturbing and are being treated seriously. The School Governing Body is engaging on this issue and a disciplinary hearing will commence once all perpetrators have been identified. We must let this process take place in terms of the relevant procedures.”
She added the WCED has engaged with the parents of the victim.
“He has been successfully transferred to another school. We have also offered counselling support.”
The boy’s mother said they received a call from the department about the transfer.
“They said he must go to a school which is far from us. I have explained that I’m unemployed and can’t afford transport, and requested he be transferred to a school within walking distance from my home.”
The mother said she had opened a case with the Delft Police as she seeks justice for her son.
“We are waiting for the detectives to investigate. I want the perpetrators to get arrested and also the school should take accountability.
“I want to know why the boys did what they did to my son and why they targeted him.
“I question the safety of other children who are still there. I am happy about the support my son is receiving, not only from community workers but also pupils at the school who were protesting and refused to go to class until they spoke to the principal.”
Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Malcolm Pojie said Delft police are investigating a case of common assault.
“Preliminary information reveals that the 14-year-old victim, a boy, asked for permission to go to the toilet and as he left the room, four boys grabbed him and forced him into the toilet, where they forced his face into the toilet bowl and washed his face with waste from the toilet.
“No arrests have been made. The matter is still under investigation.”
Cape Times