Cape Town – A 19-year-old matric pupil will not be able to complete her matric exams as she fights for her life in hospital after she was allegedly attacked by a group of boys from her school.
The pupil had completed her isiZulu paper when she was allegedly accused of stealing a cell phone by the group.
She was threatened with a gun and brutally assaulted, said the premier’s office in a statement.
Four suspects, aged between 17 and 24, have since been arrested for pointing a firearm and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
They appeared in court on Monday while a fifth suspect is still at large.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube has vehemently condemned the violence against women and children which continues unabated as a Grade 12 female learner, who was brutally assaulted by a mob of boys from her school, fights for her life in hospital. pic.twitter.com/5cZ2oXpTre
— KZN Provincial Gov (@kzngov) November 23, 2022
“The female learner was taken to J-section in Umlazi, where she was threatened with a firearm and assaulted.
“We are aware that police have made arrests in connection with the case, but we also know there is a suspect who is still at large,” said the premier’s office.
Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube condemned violence against women and children.
Dube-Ncube, who was chairing the provincial executive council sitting on Thursday, left the meeting to visit the girl at the Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital.
“We are disturbed about the assault of the 19-year-old female learner who was [beaten] immediately after she finished writing her isiZulu matric paper.
“The pain and suffering this young girl has had to endure at the hands of her fellow schoolmates is deplorable,” said Dube-Ncube.
The provincial government is providing psychosocial support to the learner and her family.
“It is unfortunate that she will not be able to finish writing her matric exams, but the department of education will make arrangements for her to write her exams next year.
“Sadly, this incident happened at a time when we are heightening our campaign of no violence against women and children. We appeal to our communities to have a zero-tolerance stance against people who abuse women, children, learners, people with disabilities and the elderly. We will spare no effort to eradicate violence against women and children wherever it occurs,” said Dube-Ncube.
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Picture: kznonline.gov.za
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Compiled by Olwethu Mpeshe
