Update

GEORGE NEWS - The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) is investigating allegations of other incidents at the Pacaltsdorp Secondary School hostel as part of a broader probe following the assault of a Grade 12 learner that sparked widespread community outrage.

WCED spokesperson Millicent Merton confirmed that the district office was aware of the allegations concerning other incidents at the hostel.

"These allegations form part of the broader investigation currently being conducted by the District to address the matter holistically. No further comment can be provided while the investigation and related processes are still ongoing," she said.

The department has also temporarily suspended the duties of the permanent hostel supervisors pending the completion of a disciplinary process. According to Merton, this was done to allow the investigation to proceed independently and without interference. Alternative staff have been appointed temporarily to provide supervision and support at the hostel.

Herman Philander, community leader, takes the floor. Photos: Michelle Pienaar

The investigation follows an incident on Sunday evening, 6 September, in which a Grade 12 learner was allegedly assaulted by an 18-year-old Grade 10 learner. A video of the assault went viral, showing the attack while other learners can be seen standing by and watching, and children can be heard laughing in the background.

The incident triggered widespread anger in Pacaltsdorp and prompted residents and parents to gather outside the school on Friday 11 September for a peaceful protest against bullying and violence in schools.

Among the concerns raised by parents were the alleged lack of adult supervision at the hostel and broader allegations of bullying and violence.

Concerned residents and parents outside the school on Friday 11 September. Photo: Michelle Pienaar

Other learners also under scrutiny

The WCED has confirmed that its investigation is not limited to the two learners directly involved in the altercation.

Asked whether the learners who were seen watching the assault, as well as those who recorded it, would be investigated, Merton said all parties involved in the incident are being considered as part of the investigation.

"In the interests of the investigation and to protect the integrity of the process, the WCED cannot provide any further details regarding the investigation at this stage."

Pacaltsdorp Secondary's principal, Clifton Titus, previously told the protesting parents that the school governing body had been informed of the incident and disciplinary action had been taken against the learners involved.

Both boys were suspended, but were allowed to write their examinations.

Merton has since confirmed that the Grade 10 learner identified as the attacker in the video is currently not at the school. Alternative arrangements will be made for him to write his examinations.

According to Marchell Kleynhans, the Grade 12 learner completed his final subject of the preliminary examinations on Monday 14 September before returning home to Noll.

Maggie Stride, a community activist, voices her concern. Photo: Michelle Pienaar

Attempted murder case

The 18-year-old Grade 10 learner appeared in the George Magistrate's Court on Monday 14 September on a charge of attempted murder involving the Grade 12 learner.

He was granted bail of R500 and is expected back in court on Monday 12 October. Magistrate Wikus Bisschoff presided, state prosecutor Vandana Premchand represented the State and the accused was represented by Legal Aid.

His bail conditions prohibit him from having direct contact with state witnesses. He is currently staying at an alternative address in Pacaltsdorp.

Southern Cape Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Chris Spies previously said the Grade 12 learner had allegedly been assaulted after an argument.

"The victim collapsed and was dragged to his room, where he was left on the floor. He was taken to a local medical facility for treatment on Monday 7 September," Spies said.

It has also been alleged that the Grade 12 learner broke a mirror over the Grade 10 learner's head the following morning. Titus confirmed that both the learners had been suspended.

The WCED said disciplinary proceedings are being conducted in accordance with the school's code of conduct.

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