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Queensburgh pupil survives vicious bullying attack

A schoolboy has been charged with attempted murder following a bullying attack.

WHILE the Queensburgh teenager who was struck on his head with a metal pipe last Thursday is recovering at home, the pupil responsible for the brutal attack is facing an attempted murder charge and disciplinary action.

The family of the 18-year-old pupil, Aldane Chetty, was relieved to welcome their son back home on Thursday, after he spent a week in ICU at the Life Chatsmed Garden Hospital. It is alleged that Aldane was approached by a group of six boys, one of whom hit him with the pipe, causing him to suffer two seizures and an open wound on his head.

Aldane Chetty was placed in the ICU for a week before being discharged.
Aldane Chetty was placed in the ICU for a week before being discharged.

Speaking about the traumatising incident from their Ladd Road home, Aldane’s parents said they are now on a mission to encourage children and parents of children who are being bullied to speak out and help eradicate bullying.

Alan Chetty, father of the Grade 11 pupil, said while the exact circumstances which lead to the incident are unclear at this stage, it is believed Aldane reprimanded a pupil for slamming the door on a woman teacher and this allegedly sparked the attack.

Alan, who viewed the CCTV footage of the bullying attack, said, “I was at work when I received a call to notify me that my son had be involved in an altercation. Based on my son’s personality, I found this hard to believe and rushed to the school immediately. When I arrived, Netcare paramedics were treating Aldane. It is believed that at the time of the incident, Aldane who is a class representative, was accompanying a pupil to the office to sort out his leave. The pupil who was walking with Aldane told him that the group of boys were close by so the pair decided to avoid them and changed the direction they were walking in.

“The group of boys noticed my son and started to follow him. One of the boys from the group hit Aldane on the back of his head with a metal pipe. My son stopped, turned around, wiped his head and continued walking. The boys then continued to follow him and one of the boys pushed him. Aldane didn’t retaliate and walked to the office to seek help. As he entered the reception area, he collapsed before suffering two seizures. After the paramedics treated him, he was rushed to hospital and admitted in ICU. Aldane had to have various scans done to ascertain if there were any further injuries. My son will continue undergoing counselling to try and help him deal with this traumatic incident.”

Aldane Chetty had eight stitches on his head.
Aldane Chetty had eight stitches on his head.

The father, who said the past few days have been physically and emotionally draining, added, “It was also revealed that the problem with this group of boys was apparently brewing for almost six months. Bullying is real. Children and parents of children who are being bullied need to come forward and speak out about this type of behaviour that is bound to have psychological effects on the victim. Irrespective of how minor the attack may be, report it. This matter will be taken to the highest level, to ensure an example is set for bullies to know and be aware of the consequences of their actions.”

The pupil, who is known for his skills on the cricket and rugby field, also missed a few of hisĀ  examinations.

Aldane’s parents are now calling for the pupil responsible for their son’s attack to be suspended and dismissed from the school.

Update to follow.

 

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