Family demands answers after learner allegedly assaulted at Elandspark School

The family of 19-year-old Bayanda Masondo, who was brutally assaulted at school last August, demand justice for their child.

Masondo, a learner at Elandspark LSEN School in Bedfordview, was severely injured at the hands of another learner during school hours.

According to the family, the learner approached Masondo’s workstation during a class activity and turned off his machine. When Masondo confronted him, the altercation escalated.

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“He picked up a steel hammer. That’s when I slapped him in an attempt to defend myself.

“When a teacher intervened, he held me back in an attempt to separate us, which resulted in me being hit in the mouth with a hammer,” stated Masondo.

The hammer was crafted as part of the school’s curriculum.

He lost three upper teeth, while others needed extracting at the dental clinic at Bertha Gxowa Hospital.

The family had to pay for additional medical bills, including his permanent false teeth.

“His peers laughed at him. He couldn’t go outside and would stay indoors with a mask on,” said his grandmother, Happiness Khoza.

The family alleges that after the incident, the school distanced itself and blamed Masondo for instigating the violence.

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After going to the emergency room, the family opened a case with the Bedfordview Police Station the same day.

However, the family said they never received updates about the investigation’s progress until May 6, when they received a text message stating the case was closed.

The family said the justice system has failed them.

“Our child was severely injured. He couldn’t even play outside because people would make fun of him, never mind the pain he went through. He had to miss school for two months while recovering,” lamented Khoza.

“We never even received an apology from him and his family. They are not even bothered about what is happening with Bayanda.

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“We want to know why the case was closed and why they did not inform us about the proceedings,” added Khoza.

Masondo said he was still traumatised by the incident and that socialising was a challenge because he has not yet fully healed.

When approached for comment, the school referred the NEWS to the Gauteng Department of Education for comment.

The first request for comment was sent to the GDE on May 15.

A follow-up request was sent on May 23.

The Bedfordview police’s Lillian Modiga, said based on their records the case was withdrawn.