The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has raised serious concerns after seven girls were arrested for assaulting a fellow learner in an incident that gained widespread attention on social media.
The girls, aged between 13 and 14, are pupils from Bedfordview High School, Kensington High School, Queens High School, and Phoenix College. The victim, who is from Yeoville in Johannesburg, is a learner at Bedfordview High.
According to the GDE, the incident reportedly occurred at a house in Yeoville where some of the learners reside. The victim reported the assault to her school on Monday, 12 May 2025.
An internal investigation revealed that the alleged perpetrators include four girls from Bedfordview High School (three in Grade 8 and one in Grade 9), one Grade 9 learner from Queens High School, a Grade 8 learner from Kensington High School, and a Grade 10 learner from Phoenix College. All seven appeared in court and are facing charges of common assault.
Following the incident, the learners involved were suspended by their respective schools, pending disciplinary processes.
Each school has initiated internal investigations in accordance with their codes of conduct and disciplinary policies.
The GDE confirmed that psycho-social support would be made available to both the victim and the learners involved.
The Department strongly condemned the incident, emphasising that any form of violence among learners, whether it takes place on or off school premises, will not be tolerated and could have long-term consequences on those involved.
Ensuring safe and respectful learning environments remains a core priority for the Department.
In its response, the GDE also highlighted the vital role parents and guardians play in shaping children’s behaviour and values. It stressed the need for collaboration between families, schools, and the Department to instil discipline, empathy, and accountability in learners. This, it said, is key to maintaining schools as safe spaces for education.
Learners were encouraged to speak up and report any incidents of bullying or violence to teachers, school leaders, guardians, or the nearest GDE district office. Remaining silent, the Department warned, only enables further misconduct.
Support is also available through organisations such as the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) and Childline South Africa, both of which offer free, confidential assistance 24 hours a day.
SADAG can be reached at 0800 567 567, while Childline can be contacted by dialling 116.
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