The family of a 15-year-old pupil is reeling in trauma and anger after the Grade 9 learner was allegedly assaulted, stabbed with a pair of scissors, and shoved into a pit latrine by a fellow student at a school in Dyamala, Alice. The family has launched a scathing criticism against the school’s management for their “poor handling” of the situation.
The horrific incident allegedly occurred on school grounds, but the victim was not discovered until the following day. It is reported that the boy spent an entire night trapped inside the pit latrine before being found by another learner.
The 15-year-old victim is currently recovering in a hospital from his physical injuries. However, his family says the psychological scars from the “dehumanizing ordeal” run deep for both the boy and his relatives.
In an emotional account, a family member expressed their anguish and placed the blame squarely on the school administration. “We can’t sleep at night due to what happened to him. This is not acceptable and it’s still very painful,” they said. “I blame the school. They should have followed up upon realizing that he was not in class and his school bag was unattended.”
The family further claims they have been left without support, stating, “The parents were not offered counseling services as they are traumatized by this incident. Also, we haven’t heard from the school since he was admitted to the hospital.”
In response to the attack, the Eastern Cape Provincial Education Department has condemned the incident. A department spokesperson confirmed that the principal reported the matter to the South African Police Service (SAPS).
“The learner was then taken to hospital… The learner that is accused of doing that incident was then attended to by SAPS,” the spokesperson said. “We are going to support the learner that is in hospital and we’re going to make sure that justice is served… [We] will try by all means to make sure that there is peace and tranquility at the school.”
Police have confirmed that a 17-year-old suspect, also a minor, has been arrested in connection with the violent assault. He has been charged with attempted murder and robbery with a weapon other than a firearm. The suspect was remanded in custody at the John X Merriman Juvenile Centre and is expected to make his next court appearance on Monday.
The case has sent shockwaves through the community, raising serious questions about student safety and protocol in schools.
