HTS Nic Diederichs assault: schoolboy suspended and case opened
A case of common assault has been opened and is currently under investigation by Krugersdorp Police detectives after a schoolboy attacked a girl at HTS Nic Diederichs THS. The boy has since been suspended.
A disturbing video of a HTS Nic Diederichs THS schoolboy attacking a girl following a verbal altercation is currently being circulated.
The video which is currently doing the rounds shows two girls, one sitting and the other standing, on the sport field’s pavilion of the school. The two seems to be arguing. A boy in a pullover then approaches and the girl sitting down seems to start arguing with the boy. He then hands something to the girl next to him and the girl stands up and moves closer to the boy; with the argument getting heated.
The boy then pushes the girl with both hands whereby she falls back on to the pavilion. She jumps up and pushes him back, at which moment he then grabs her by the hair and slaps her profusely against the head three times. A fight then ensues between the two which progresses onto the field. The video ends.
The News reached out to the Krugersdorp Police where Captain Raymond Sebonyane said that he and the social crime prevention coordinator, Warrant Officer Fritz Terreblanche tended to the incident themselves adding that a case of common assault had been opened which is currently under investigation by Krugersdorp police’s detectives. No arrest has been made.
The police condemns gender-based violence, bullying, fighting, substance abuse and stealing in schools as it is suppose to be a safe space for learners,” he said.
Upon request for comment from the school, the principal Anton Strauss said, “As you are very well aware the school is not allowed to release a statement and all correspondence needs to be done through the Department of Education. We trust you understand.”
The News has since reached out to Gauteng Department of Education spokesperson Steve Mabona who said they are aware of the incident that occurred on Tuesday, January 31. A grade 10 boy allegedly assaulted a grade 10 girl.
This incident was captured in a video that has since gone viral, and we vehemently condemn the behaviour that was displayed.”
He said the boy has since been suspended today (Wednesday, February 1) through correspondence that was served to his parents.
“Subsequently, a disciplinary hearing by the school’s Disciplinary Committee is scheduled for February 12.”
He said their officials visited the school to verify circumstances surrounding the incident and their psycho-social support team has also been deployed to provide counselling and trauma support for the victim.
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“We strongly condemn any acts of misconduct by learners that dehumanises, demeans and potentially endangers other learners, and ultimately undermines the dignity of our learning institutions. Learner ill-discipline will not be tolerated in our schools.”
The department continues to appeal to parents in assisting to enforce discipline in and outside the school environment.
We condemn, in the strongest sense, this despicable behaviour. No one can be allowed to assault anyone in our schools, and we especially condemn any form of gender-based violence in our schools.
“We are pleased that the perpetrator is suspended and will not be allowed back to our school before necessary rehabilitation,” said Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane.
Mabona said they will continue to monitor the situation and apply further interventions accordingly.
More than 1 000 learners searched during police visit
The Krugersdorp Police recently conducted a safety search at HTS N Diederichs THS where they confiscated various items deemed prohibited at school.
According to Krugersdorp Police spokesperson Captain Raymond Sebonyane, the searches were conducted in a joint effort by the Krugersdorp social crime coordinator, communications officer, victim coordinator, social auxiliary worker, newly appointed constables and their mentors.
They visited the school between 10:00 and 11:45 on Monday, January 30.
Some items that are not permitted in the school’s premises included cigarettes, matches, cigarette lighters, a knife, sharp pair of scissors, vapes, vape juices and cigarette paper were confiscated. About 1 053 learners were searched and school safety pamphlets distributed.”
Captain Sebonyane added the police received a number of complaints from teachers during the search.
“These complaints ranged from misbehaving and social ills from the learners. Some of the complaints were also referred to other institutions.”
On behalf of the Krugersdorp Police Station Commander Brigadier Happy Xaba, Captain Sebonyane thanked the members for their dedication and encouraged the community and parents to stand by the police and assist to address their children.
