Seven teens charged with assault: Court appearance sparks outrage

IOL News

20-05-2025

Following their court appearance on Monday, the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has condemned the behaviour of four girls who allegedly assaulted another young learner in a video that went viral on social media. The teenage girls were filmed assaulting one of their peers.
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Seven teenagers accused of assaulting another teenager appeared before the Johannesburg Magistrate's Court 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 the arrest of a minor child to determine among others, their personal circumstances, their backgrounds as well as any factors that may have led to the commission of the alleged offence.
Their case was postponed to May 21, 2025, for the finalisation of the PLI, where two of the minors underwent the necessary assessment by probation officers.
The girls, aged between 13 and 14, were arrested after a video showing a group of girls attacking another 14-year-old Bedfordview High School pupil went viral on social media.
In the video, four girls are seen approaching the victim, and following an argument, the victim is slapped by one of the girls while she remains on the bed and covers her face with her hands.
In a statement on Monday, NPA spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane, condemned the incident, stating: "The case relates to an incident that happened in Yeoville on May 10, 2025, where a 14-year-old complainant was allegedly assaulted by the group, following an altercation. The NPA condemns the alleged attack and encourages the youth to find amicable ways to resolve conflict."
The pupils reported to be from Bedfordview High School, Queens High School, Kensington High School, and Phoenix College each face a charge of common assault after the victim reported them to her school and opened a case on May 18, 2025.
Ahead of their court appearance, Gauteng police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo indicated that the police opened a case of common assault at the local police station and the suspects were rounded up.
Gauteng MEC for Education, Matome Chiloane, stated that the department took issue with violent behaviour against the victim and widely condemned the incident.
Spokesperson for the department, Steve Mabona, indicated that the matter was being investigated by the respective schools.
"The schools have begun internal investigations into the misconduct of the learners involved, in line with the codes of conduct and applicable disciplinary procedures from both schools. Psycho-social support will be provided by the department to all affected learners, including the victim.
"The GDE strongly condemns such acts of violence among learners. 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.
"We reaffirm that fostering safe, respectful, and supportive learning environments is a top priority for the Department. We also call on parents and guardians to play an active role in shaping the values and conduct of their children. Building a non-violent society starts at home," Mabona said.
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