Gansbaai – Three teenagers have been arrested in connection with an alleged assault that left a Grade 10 learner from Gansbaai Academia unconscious and suffering a concussion.
Police confirmed that three male suspects – one aged 14 and two aged 15 – were arrested for common assault. They are expected to appear in the Hermanus Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 16 September.
The arrests follow an incident on Wednesday 9 September, when the Grade 10 learner was allegedly attacked by a group of male learners.
His family says he had been playing a game of “touchies” with friends when another pupil allegedly approached him. The pupil told him to go to a fence where someone wanted to speak to him. Subsequently, the assault allegedly began after he refused.
One of his alleged attackers was reportedly a classmate, while the others were in Grade 9. The assault reportedly continued while he called for help. He was left unconscious for between 15 and 20 minutes.
“His school uniform was torn in the incident,” his aunt said in correspondence with the Hermanus Times. “He suffered a concussion from the assault.”
A subsequent medical assessment confirmed that he had suffered a concussion. It also advised him to avoid physical sport for at least six weeks.
Family questions school’s response
The learner’s family has questioned how the school responded after the assault, particularly whether appropriate medical and emergency assistance was provided. They allege that neither an ambulance nor police were called after the incident.
Instead, the school contacted his mother and asked her to collect him. The learner’s mother, a single parent with a visual disability, described the experience as devastating.
“My heart is broken,” she said. “My son doesn’t have a father in his life. I am a single mother with an eye condition.”
The family further alleges that the teenager was initially left on the field before being moved to reception. The grade 10 victim allegedly did not receive medical attention before his mother arrived.
However, the school has since provided counselling and therapy for the alleged victim.
The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) responded to questions on behalf of the school.
Bronagh Hammond, media liaison for the WCED, said the school became aware of the incident after it was brought to the regional school office. Additionally, information was also received from other learners about an altercation on the school grounds.
“School management immediately attended to the learner and initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident,” Hammond said.
She said staff assisted the learner and attempted to contact his parent using the contact details on record. When those attempts were unsuccessful, alternative channels were used to reach her.
“The parent subsequently attended the school and was advised of the incident,” Hammond said.
According to the WCED, the parent was also encouraged to seek medical assessment for the learner. Moreover, they were told to report the matter to police should she wish to do so.
The department’s response did not specify whether an ambulance was called. It also did not state whether emergency medical assistance was sought at the school before the learner’s mother arrived.
Investigation under way
The family subsequently approached the school seeking answers and accountability. And they allege that the principal declined to comment on the incident and instead referred the matter to a teacher.
Moreover, his family requested that the Grade 10 learner be placed at another school for his safety. However, they said they had not yet received a response.
WCED confirmed that the incident had been reported to its Safe Schools Call Centre. Furthermore, it stated that the relevant Circuit Manager had been informed.
Hammond confirmed that the learners allegedly involved had been identified and that their parents had been asked to attend meetings with the school. “The matter is being investigated,” she said.
The department said the school would take appropriate disciplinary action depending on the outcome of the investigation. This would be in accordance with its Code of Conduct and applicable disciplinary procedures. Formal disciplinary proceedings would be held where warranted.
Family raises broader bullying concerns
Following the incident, the learner’s family also raised concerns about alleged bullying and intimidation at Gansbaai Academia.
A family member alleged that a female learner had recently been assaulted in similar circumstances. “[Gansbaai Academia] is a new school and since it opened, every year children are bullied, especially the boys from neighbouring towns,” the family member alleged.
The family also raised concerns about alleged intimidation and threats against learners. WCED has not confirmed these allegations.
Asked whether incidents of learner violence were common in Overberg schools or whether the issue was specific to Gansbaai Academia, the department said conflicts between learners could occur at schools from time to time.
“The school has an approved bullying and cyberbullying policy as well as a code of conduct for learners,” Hammond said. “These outline the school’s approach to preventing, reporting and addressing bullying, harassment, violence and related misconduct. The well-being and safety of learners remain the school’s primary concern.”
Hermanus Times is awaiting further information from the department regarding the investigation. In addition, it awaits word on whether security measures or footage from the alleged assault are available.
