The grandmother of a high school pupil whose hair was set alight by a classmate, in a now viral video, says her granddaughter had not received adequate support from the school.
Western Cape Education Department spokesperson Millicent Merton confirmed the department was aware of the incident. The school immediately investigated and took action when the incident occurred, said Merton. The learner was suspended as a precautionary measure pending a disciplinary hearing.
Merton added that the school provided counselling and support to the victim, and that the Representative Council of Learners (RCL) would embark on an anti-bullying campaign at the school.
Several bullying incidents were reported at schools around the county over the past few weeks.
In April, Limpopo teenager Lufuno Mavhunga took her own life after a video showing her being assaulted and bullied by a schoolmate went viral.
School bullying: Pupil suspended for setting girl’s hair on fire
The pupil was seen on video, pouring a liquid over the girl, before using a lighter to set her hair on fire
The incident is alleged to have taken place at Belgravia High School in Cape Town on Monday, 17 May 2021, during class.
In a 13-second video clip which went viral, the boy is seen first taunting the girl and then pours what appears to be an energy drink on her. He then proceeds to take a lighter from another pupil and stands behind the girl, before he sets her ponytail alight.