Teenage boys interrogate and assault a matric girl over cellphone
THE assault of a matric pupil by a group of teenage boys in umlazi last week has shone the spotlight on gender-based violence.
According to a police report, the pupil was approached by the four boys who accused her of stealing a cellphone. It is alleged she was then taken to J-section in umlazi where she was threatened with a firearm and then physically assaulted.
Bhekithemba police station confirmed the arrest of four suspects between the ages of 17 and 24, for pointing a firearm and assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm.
The suspects will make their second court appearance in umlazi Magistrate’s Court next week
After the attack, the victim was rushed to the Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital in umlazi, where she is reportedly fighting for her life.
Kwazulu-natal Premier Nomusa Dube-ncube condemned the attack and assault on the Grade 12 pupil immediately after she finished writing her matric Zulu paper.
Dube-ncube was concerned that the pupil might not be able to complete the rest of her matric papers. She said the Department of Education would make arrangements for her to write her matric exams next year.
Speaking after her visit only two days before the start of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence Campaign, Dube-ncube said: “The pain and suffering this young girl has had to endure at the hands of her fellow schoolmates is deplorable. The provincial government is providing all necessary assistance, including psychological support for both the young woman and her family.”
Dube-ncube appealed to communities to take a zero-tolerance stance against people who abuse women, children, pupils, people with disabilities and the elderly.
“We are aware that police have made arrests in connection to the case, but we also know that there is a suspect who is still at large. We send a strong message that our law enforcement agencies will go out in full force to apprehend perpetrators of gender-based violence,” she said.