The teenage girls were filmed assaulting one of their peers.
Image: Screenshot
Seven Gauteng teenage girls appeared in the Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court for a Preliminary Inquiry (PLI) following a bullying video that went viral on social media.
Following their appearance on Monday, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson, Phindi Mjonondwane, explained that a PLI is held within 48 hours of the arrest of a minor to determine amongst others, their personal circumstances, their backgrounds as well as any factors that may have led to the commission of the alleged offence.
"Their case was postponed to 21 May 2025 for the finalisation of the PLI where two of the minors have undergone the necessary assessment by probation officers," added Mjonondwane.
Meanwhile, Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) said, the attackers, aged between 13 and 14 years old, attend Bedfordview High School, Kensington High School, Queens High School, and Phoenix College.
The victim is a learner at Bedfordview High and from Yeoville in Johannesburg.
“According to our information at our disposal, the victim reported this matter to the school on Monday, May 12, 2025, and alleged that the unfortunate group attack took place at one of the houses in Yeoville, where the learners reside,” GDE spokesperson Steve Mabona said.
“The perpetrators, which are a group of seven girl learners, include four learners from Bedfordview High School (three in Grade 8 and one in Grade 9), one learner from Queens High School (Grade 9), one learner from Kensington High School (Grade 8), and one learner from Phoenix College (Grade 10),” Mabona said.
The girls face charges of common assault, and they have been suspended by their respective schools.
“The schools have begun internal investigations into the misconduct of the learners involved, in line with the codes of conduct and applicable disciplinary procedures from both schools. Psycho-social support will be provided by the Department to all affected learners, including the victim,” Mabona said.
In the video, a teenage girl is seen seated on a bed. She is surrounded by other girls in the room.
Four girls then approach the victim, and following an argument, the victim is slapped by one of the girls.
The victim remains on the bed and covers her face with her hands.
The video has caused outrage on social media, with many calling for police intervention.
The group is expected back in court on Wednesday, May 21.
sinenhlanhla.masilela@iol.co.za
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