Concerns about safety and discipline in Durban schools are mounting following two disturbing bullying incidents involving high school learners.
The most recent case occurred on Friday at Hillview Secondary School, where a 13-year-old girl was allegedly assaulted by a 15-year-old male classmate during class, in full view of other learners and the teacher.
According to reports, the class had been mocking the teacher, leading her to break down in tears and leave the classroom. After regaining her composure, she returned and asked who had made the remarks. The 13-year-old girl reportedly identified the learner responsible. A different boy in the class then allegedly stood up to defend his friend. When the girl told him to keep quiet as he was not involved, he allegedly slapped her and strangled her, shocking the classroom.
The school has suspended the boy and his parents have committed to covering the girl’s medical expenses—though only at the end of the month, according to sources close to the family.
A School Governing Body (SGB) meeting is scheduled for Thursday, 22 May, involving the parents of both learners, school officials, and the SGB, to discuss the incident, the well-being of the affected learners, and the disciplinary path forward. An update will follow once the meeting is concluded.
This incident follows another unresolved case at Centenary Secondary School, where a learner was reportedly bullied in a violent incident that occurred earlier this year. The family of the victim says the matter remains under investigation.
Parents and community members have expressed anger and concern. On the Newlands Community Group, one parent wrote:
“This is not just misbehaviour. It’s violence, and if it’s happening in front of teachers, we need immediate and lasting changes in how schools respond.”
A family member of the victim shared that the girl, while recovering physically, is emotionally affected:
“It was fortunate that she didn’t suffer a broken nose, but she is still healing from the physical wounds. Her emotional wellbeing remains our priority. As a sister, I feel that the boy’s parents are taking this very lightly. I hope Thursday’s meeting leads to meaningful consequences and a clear message against this kind of behaviour.”
Comments on Facebook have shed more light on the context of the incident, including claims that the boy was beaten by his older brother in the school office following the altercation:
“My son told me that after the teacher sent them to the office, the boy’s older brother – who also attends Hillgrove – entered and beat him up in front of staff. It’s heartbreaking. This boy is probably only repeating the abuse he knows.”
Other users called for legal action and social work intervention:
“Too many women are being abused and killed at the hands of men. The family must lay charges – this boy needs to face consequences.”
“Maybe social workers need to step in. And the mother… she needs a serious wake-up call about respect and responsibility.”
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education has been asked to confirm if it is aware of the Hillview Secondary School incident, whether an investigation is underway, and what support has been provided to the teacher and learners involved. The department has also been asked to comment on the broader rise in school-based violence and its current intervention strategies. No comments were recieved at the time of going to print.
The story continues to develop as officials, families, and community members seek accountability and solutions.
