“Too scared to go to school”

THE angry parents of a bullied Belgravia High School learner have opened a case of assault after their daughter was slapped in the face by two other schoolgirls.

The incident took place on Monday afternoon while her 15-year-old daughter was waiting for her scholar transport when she was approached by two girls. 

The Grade 9 girl’s parents have since opened a police case at Athlone SAPS.

According to the mother of the victim this is only the latest trauma for her teenager, who has been victimised since she started at the school last year.

But in the last month, things have taken a turn for the worse.

She claims that on 11 September, her daughter was attacked and sworn at by a boy in class over a picture.

The mother explained: “The bullying started in Grade 8. My daughter is so fearful. 

“It was her friend’s birthday and they were taking photos in class when this boy approached her and asked why they were taking photos of him. 

“She explained that they were not taking photos of him. Then he kicked her and he vloeked her ma se. 

“When she asked ‘why do you swear my mother, you don’t know my mother’, he pulled her and punched her in the back of her head.”

The mom says they opened a case for that incident too, but lost the case number.

The mother claims that a month ago, another boy at the school posted pictures of her daughter on his Whatsapp status making fun of her appearance and claimed it was a joke.

And they are now actively looking for a new school.

The emotional mom said: “This is affecting my daughter so badly. Once a week, she will make up a lie saying she is sick and doesn't want to go to school. 

“This is affecting her school work so badly. I have to take time out of my work to go to school. I am looking to find my daughter another school but I am not getting feedback. 

“I cannot have my child at that school for another year. It is affecting me as much as it is affecting my daughter. I always check up on her during the day to make sure she is safe."

Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi said the circumstances surrounding Monday’s incident are now under investigation and appealed to anyone who witnessed this incident to please call Crime Stop on 08600 10111.”

Western Cape Education Department (WCED) spokesperson Bronagh Hammond is aware of the case. 

She told the Daily Voice: “The WCED has liaised with the school and can confirm the two incidents.

“With regards to the cyberbullying case, the case was referred to the SGB to institute disciplinary procedures. The matter was investigated and a date set for the hearing. 

“Unfortunately, due to challenges in getting hold of the parent, another date has been set which has delayed matters. 

“On the second recent case, the SGB is investigating and disciplinary procedures will follow.”