[WATCH] Lesufi says Crystal Park High incident an embarrassment
Addressing an assembly of learners, Lesufi said he was embarrassed by the actions of the perpetrators who have since been suspended from the school and said he urged the police to make arrests wherever necessary.
“Attempted murder” and “an embarrassment to the Department of Education and the country” were the words used by MEC Panyaza Lesufi to describe a video that went viral last week of Crystal Park High School Grade Eight and Nine learners assaulting a fellow learner.
The video shows the learner (14) beaten to the ground as perpetrators (believed to be aged between 14 and 15) proceeded to continually kick her.
Lesufi, joined by Ekurhuleni North district director Nonceba Ntuta and the school’s governing body (SGB), visited the school on Monday morning (March 11) after the incident which took place on March 6.
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“We support the SGB decision to suspend the learners immediately.
“They need to appear in court and need to know they will have a criminal record as that is the only way they will learn from their actions.”
Lesufi said he was deeply hurt by the incident and spoke to the victim as well as the family and conveyed his apologies.
“Do not try to solve problems with violence.
“Solve problems like human beings and not animals.
“When you enter these premises you are a learner.
“No one has the right to attack another a learner.
“We are sending a strong message to learners across Gauteng.
“If you attack another child, you are attacking all of us and we will deal with you.”
Leesufi placed a special emphasis on girl learners.
“Society expects us to protect girl children.
“Why do you harm another girl child?
“We want to protect you but (the) girls in the video seemed determined to cause harm and we have no choice but to act decisively.”
During a media briefing after the assembly, Lesufi said he firmly believes there is a trend that is developing among girl learners and if that trend is not stopped this will not be the end.
“They are indulging in things that are for adults and not children.”
SGB chairperson Madisa Moto said the assault did not take place at the school but indicated the school strongly condemned the actions of the learners involved.
“This is the first time we have experienced such a barbaric act,” said Moto.
“The incident happened outside the perimeter of the school but they wore our school uniform and we will not just be spectators to this incident.
“We are ready to bring the perpetrators back to reality.”
Lesufi stated the learner had undergone medical examinations and was found to be clear of any medical risks and was back to school already.
Five suspects have since been arrested in connection with the assault.
The SGB also expressed their gratitude to the father of the victim for not making the incident a legal matter.
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