What should have been a safe haven for a 14-year-old East Bank High School learner has instead become a place of fear.

According to Alex News, this comes after the teenager was assaulted, allegedly by a group of fellow pupils, leaving her unconscious on school grounds.

Her mother recounted the ordeal, which began as a verbal dispute on February 26. “She slapped her, but my daughter said she would not fight with her because they are many and she is alone.”

Later that day, the confrontation spilled into the community. The two girls fought again, but according to the mother, it was broken off. “I thought the matter had ended.”

However, the following morning on February 27, the school phoned to say her daughter was injured following yet another fight. “When we got to school, she was unresponsive. We asked for the principal, but were told he was still in a meeting. I said I couldn’t wait while my child was like this.”

She rushed her daughter to Masakhane Clinic, where staff treated her for severe bruising.

“Her eye was bruised, completely shut. Her whole body is aching. My child spent the day unable to eat. Now I even have to help her bath.”

The mother alleges that, even after her daughter fainted, the group continued to kick and trample her. The incident has left the teenager physically scarred and traumatised.

Family considers transfer

According to her mother, she no longer wants to return to the school. The family is now exploring the possibility of transferring her to another institution.

A teacher at the school confirmed that the alleged offender was only issued a call letter to notify her parents.

“The child was not suspended,” the mother said. “She was given a call letter. How do you give her a call letter when my child left the school unconscious?”

Investigations underway

Alex News has learned that the matter is now before the school’s disciplinary committee and that the outcome will be communicated to both families in due course.

The school’s management declined to comment on the proceedings, citing concerns about jeopardising the process or appearing to favour one side. However, management confirmed its determination to address the issue amicably.

While disciplinary proceedings remain discreet, police investigations are underway. A case of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm has been formally opened at Alexandra Police Station.

Alex News reached out to the Gauteng Department of Education for comment, but none was received at the time of publishing this article.

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