Grade 8 learner attacked by matriculants at Lentegeur High while teacher looks on
A grade 8 learner was attacked by matriculants last week.
Image: Supplied
A Mitchells Plain mom is furious after her Grade 8 son was allegedly attacked by six matric pupils inside his classroom at Lentegeur High School, right in front of a teacher who she claims did nothing to stop it.
The shocking incident, which allegedly took place during a class change on February 24, has left the teen traumatised and fearing for his safety, with his family claiming the boys later threatened to stab him if they found him after school.
She explained: “This happened during a change of classes, and when he got to his next class, six matriculant boys came into the class and they assaulted him.
“This happened in front of an educator while they were sitting in the class.
“This teacher didn’t do anything; he didn’t stop them, he just sat there on his phone laughing at what happened.
“Only after the boys left, the teacher asked my son to sit next to him at his table. A few minutes later, the same boy came back to assault my son a second time, and only then did he chase the boys out of his class.”
The mom said there was no particular reason why he was targeted. However, she assumes it was due to false information spread by another learner.
The concerned parent said that when she found out, she went to the school the following day to address the matter. However, she was shocked to hear that the principal wasn’t aware of the incident.
She added: “The teacher never reported the matter to the principal or us as parents. Our family phoned us in the afternoon, saying that our son had to run away after school due to this incident.
“These boys then went to ask another family member who also attends the school where my son is, and they told her that if they find him, they will stab him to death.”
The mom said that after the matter was eventually reported to the principal, who advised that her son should stay at home for three days for his safety.
Police spokesperson Constable Ndakhe Gwala said that Lentegeur police are investigating a case of assault common following the incident.
Gwala reported: “According to the complainant, her son was assaulted inside a classroom by a group of about 6 learners. The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation; no arrest has been made yet.”
Western Cape Education Department (WCED) spokesperson Bronagh Hammond said that the department has been informed about the alleged incident.
Hammond said: “The school has initiated disciplinary procedures. An investigation by the school disciplinary committee is underway.
“Allegations regarding the teacher have also been reported to the WCED. This too is being investigated and has been reported to our Labour Relations directorate. All forms of abuse must be reported.”