UPDATE: ‘Bully’s expulsion being considered’
ALEXANDRA - The Gauteng Department of Education has confirmed that it was considering the outcome of a disciplinary hearing against an Alexandra High School pupil accused of bullying and assaulting a fellow pupil.
Department spokesperson Phumla Sekhonyane said they were considering the recommendation of the disciplinary committee, chaired by the school governing body chairperson, which recommended that the boy be expelled from school.
The recommendation for expulsion is being considered by the head of department at the Gauteng Department of Education.
“We have, however, allowed the pupil [the alleged bully] to return to classes pending a decision by the head of department at the Gauteng Department of Education,” Sekhonyane said.
The disciplinary hearing held a session at the school on 4 September without the alleged bully, who was represented by his mother; she is alleged to have told the committee that her son was ill, but she apparently failed to produce a sick note. The Department of Education, however, has not confirmed this.
Refilwe Ndlovu (14), a Grade 9 pupil, was allegedly viciously punched by her classmate, who, according to Ndlovu’s mother, has allegedly been bullying her daughter with impunity since she started at the school last year. The beating is said to have started when the suspected bully was angered by Ndlovu’s use of Isixhosa to communicate with her peers.
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She was beaten unconscious on 27 August and an ambulance had to be called to the school. According to Ndlovu’s mother, Justinah, a previous incident of bullying was reported to a class teacher last year, but the teacher is said to have failed to escalate the matter to the principal.
Meanwhile, the alleged bully has finally been questioned by the police after accusations of them dragging their feet. But Alex police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Moses Maphakela said they needed to collect evidence before they could arrest the suspect.
A statement was taken from the suspected bully and he has twice appeared in the Alexandra Magistrates’ Court, with a third appearance scheduled for 15 September.
Because he is a minor, he was entrusted to the custody of his mother, who was ordered by the police to bring him to court when his court date comes up.
Alex school girl allegedly assaulted by male pupil
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