12 months community service, counselling for KZN teen bully

A HIGH school learner, who violently assaulted a classmate in September last year, has been sentenced to 12 months’ community service.

The16-year-old has also been placed under the supervision of a probation officer for the duration of the sentence.

National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson in KwaZulu-Natal, Natasha Kara, said the learner at the Mathole High School in Mahlabathini, would also undergo intensive therapy.

She was convicted of assault last month. Video footage of the teen attacking her classmate went viral on social media last year. In the clip, the girl is seen ripping off the victim’s underwear and dragging her on the ground. She then pushes away a boy who tries to intervene and continues to kick the victim in the face.

Kara said in handing down sentence, magistrate Fatima Khawula instructed that the teen cannot leave the magisterial district without prior written consent from the probation officer and must submit a written apology to the victim. Bullying has been thrust into the spotlight in recent weeks after a Limpopo teen took her own life after video footage of her being assaulted at school went viral. Lufuno Mavhunga is alleged to have ingested pills after the harrowing attack. Three pupils have since been suspended and the alleged attacker, a female learner, has been arrested.

Teachers union Naptosa has said bullying has become entrenched in school culture and had to stop. “Bullying in school, be it physical or emotional, has a long-term impact on the victims. The situation is exacerbated with the advent of social media and access to cellphones,” Naptosa KZN chief executive Thirona Moodley said.