Inside Christiaan De Wet Combined School in the Free State. Photo: Google maps
Four Grade 10 learners in hot water for performing disturbing rituals on 13 learners
The four Grade 10 learners will face disciplinary action for bullying and physically harming other learners, according to the department.
Inside Christiaan De Wet Combined School in the Free State. Photo: Google maps
Free State Department of Education has expressed its outrage and disgust after feared grade 10 learners were exposed for performing disturbing initiation rituals on fellow learners at Christiaan De Wet Combined Primary School.
INITIATION RITUALS PERFORMED BY THE GRADE 10 CULPRITS
According to the department, the social media posts depict the gruesome bullying of a Grade 8 boy learner.
In the post, fresh burn marks are seen on the learner’s arm.
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Upon investigations, thirteen (13) other learners were found to have similar burn marks which were meted out on 12, 13 and 15 November 2023.
The department confirmed that the alleged perpetrators of what it labels ‘sordid misdemeanours and criminality’ are four grade 10 learners.
The four learners will face disciplinary action for bullying and physically harming other learners, the Free State Department of Education assured.
Free State Department of Education
“The matter was also reported to the police for investigation.”
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HOW THIS BEHAVIOUR GOT TO THE ATTENTION OF THE DEPARTMENT
According to the department, this incident was reported to the school authorities and the department by members of the Representative Council of Learners. However, the school management and the SGB were not aware of this practice.
According to some learners, this practice is done as part of a ritual initiating fellow learners who have been part of the Christiaan De Wet Combined School Hostel.
It is reported that junior learners are being bullied, intimidated and forcefully burned with hot objects on their arms. Those who resist or defy the order are threatened with more severe objects such as a hot iron on their chest.
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MEC WEIGHS IN ON AFTER THE INCIDENT
“This barbaric, atavistic and must stop,” a visibly disappointed Free State Education MEC Makalo Mohale said.
“The parents of the 13 boys have been informed about this incident. The department is investigating the matter and psycho-social support will be provided to the 13 learners,” MEC Mohale concluded.
