Parents open case after Wittebome High learner has his teeth knocked out
Wittebome High School in Wynberg.
Image: Facebook
In yet another shocking case of school bullying and violence, a Wittebome High School learner had one of his teeth knocked out by a classmate.
The boy’s outraged grandfather told the Cape Argus sister publication, the Daily Voice that his grandson had to be rushed to hospital on Wednesday morning after being attacked during break time.
The grandfather said his grandson came under attack after an altercation with his Grade 8 classmate, which resulted in the teacher confiscating their cellphones.
After he handed in his phone, he told the teacher where his classmate hid his and that it led to him being ambushed in the schoolyard.
The attacker then jumped the fence and ran away from school.
The parents have since opened a case of assault, with the grandfather stating: “They had an altercation in the classroom.
"The teacher told me that when my grandson had to give in his phone, he handed it in. “Then this other boy didn’t want to give his phone, then my grandson told the teacher where he hid his phone.
“He then swore at the teacher. During break time he just came to my grandson and damaged his whole face, he even hit one of his big teeth out of his mouth and then he started fighting and ran away.”
It’s alleged the same boy had been suspended earlier this year for another bullying incident.
The grandfather added: “Last Friday, he nearly stabbed my grandson.
“That boy is getting away with too much. Something needs to be done, because he is really a problem. He acts like a gangster inside and outside of school.
“Every time something happens, the school tells us that they aren’t responsible as it didn’t happen in the school. My grandson can’t even take a taxi to school, because we need to make sure he gets in safely.”
He claimed that after school hours, the alleged bully and his friends, who aren’t even learners at Wittebome, often target pupils as they leave the premises.
CONFIRMED: WCED's Millicent Merton
Image: File
Western Cape Education Department (WCED) spokesperson Millicent Merton said the school is taking disciplinary action.
Merton said: “The school is taking disciplinary action after a Grade 8 learner allegedly assaulted a classmate and left the premises without permission.“ Staff attended to the injured learner and contacted the parents of both learners.
“According to the school, the altercation allegedly followed online and media incidents over the weekend.” She added that the district-based support team will provide assistance to the affected learners."