Eastern Cape Department of Transport MEC Xolile Nqatha has secured the suspension of the scholar transport driver that did not intervene when a girl (18) was assaulted and humiliated by three male learners who she travels to school with.
Eastern Cape Department of Transport spokesperson Unathi Binqose said the learners were being transported home from a school in Mdantsane last week when the incident occurred.
“Disturbingly, another girl can be heard not only laughing as she was filming the incident but could also be heard somewhat encouraging the act to continue, assuring the bullies that she was not going to share the footage,” Binqose added.
He further added: “The assault and humiliation of the young girl started from inside the bus not far from the driver’s seat and continues even outside. MEC Nqatha says the lack of intervention by the driver is as appalling as everything the young girl was subjected to in that video.”
Commenting on the incident, Nqatha said: “The driver has shown disturbing signs of not being able to spot danger and attend to it. The safety of the learners is the driver’s responsibility and that extends beyond just road safety. The drivers are also expected to concern themselves with any behaviour that puts the safety of the passengers at risk.”
“What the young girl was subjected to is a classic case of bullying, and as government we will deal with it without any fear or favour, wherever it rears its ugly head. Our support goes out to the young girl and her family. And our laser focus will be on dealing with all those who were involved in this despicable conduct,” concluded Nqatha.
