KEY POINTS
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Seven schoolgirls aged 13 to 14 have been suspended and charged with assault after a video of them attacking another learner in Yeoville went viral.
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The Gauteng Department of Education condemned the violence, began internal disciplinary processes, and promised psycho-social support for affected learners.
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Authorities are urging parents to help instil values at home and encouraging learners to report bullying rather than stay silent.
The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has suspended seven schoolgirls following a widely circulated video showing a violent group bullying on a fellow learner.
The video, which quickly spread across social media platforms, has sparked national outrage and renewed calls for decisive action against bullying in South African schools.
The accused learners, aged between 13 and 14, attend four different schools in Johannesburg: Bedfordview High School, Kensington High School, Queens High School, and Phoenix College. The victim, a Grade 9 learner at Bedfordview High School, lives in Yeoville, where the reported assault took place.
GDE spokesperson Steve Mabona confirmed that the victim approached her school on Monday, May 12, 2025, to report the incident. “According to our information at our disposal, the victim reported this matter to the school… and alleged that the unfortunate group attack took place at one of the houses in Yeoville, where the learners reside,” Mabona said.
IOL reports that the group includes four learners from Bedfordview High (three in Grade 8 and one in Grade 9), one learner from Queens High School (Grade 9), one from Kensington High School (Grade 8), and one from Phoenix College (Grade 10).
The girls appeared in court on Monday, where they were formally charged with common assault and bullying. Meanwhile, the schools involved have all initiated internal investigations and implemented immediate suspensions, pending disciplinary outcomes.
Department vows to tackle school bullying
“The schools have begun internal investigations into the misconduct of the learners involved, in line with the codes of conduct and applicable disciplinary procedures from both schools,” Mabona stated. He also confirmed that psycho-social support would be offered to all affected learners, including the victim.
The Department has condemned the incident in the strongest terms, describing it as an unacceptable act of violence with potentially serious implications for the future of the young offenders. “Violent behaviour among learners, whether within school grounds or beyond, is unacceptable and will carry serious consequences that may affect learners’ education and long-term prospects,” Mabona said.
He emphasized the Department’s commitment to creating a safe, respectful, and supportive environment in all public schools. However, he also called on parents and guardians to take responsibility for instilling values of discipline, empathy, and accountability in their children.
“Building a non-violent society starts at home,” he said. “Parents must work hand-in-hand with schools and the Department to instil discipline, empathy, and accountability in our learners. Together, we can cultivate a society of respect towards educational institutions, which will ensure that Gauteng schools remain safe spaces for quality learning and teaching.”
The Department has further urged learners not to stay silent when witnessing or experiencing bullying. “Silence only protects the aggressor,” Mabona warned. “Learners are encouraged to report incidents to a trusted teacher, school leadership, their parents or guardians, or the nearest Gauteng Department of Education district office.”
Students and parents in need of support are encouraged to contact the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) at 0800 567 567 or Childline South Africa on 116. Both services are confidential, toll-free, and available 24/7.
As the investigation and legal proceedings continue, the case has reignited national conversations around learner discipline, school safety, and the rising influence of digital platforms in both exposing and enabling peer violence.
