A case involving the alleged assault of two learners at Mohamed Ebrahim Islamic School (MEIS) in Croftdene, Chatsworth, has been postponed to 20 November 2026.
The accused, who is the grandfather of a learner at the school, made a brief appearance in the Chatsworth Magistrates’ Court following the alleged incident on 5 August.
According to a witness statement, two learners were allegedly grabbed by the neck, shoved and smacked after being identified as having troubled the accused’s grandchild.
The witness further alleged that attempts to intervene were met with resistance and that the learners were subjected to further physical handling before being instructed to apologise to their classmates.
The parents said the incident had a serious emotional impact on their children, with one learner allegedly missing more than a week of school. Two parents subsequently opened police cases, with three counts of assault allegedly recorded.
Community activist Tootsie Francis, founder and director of SA Outreach and Emergency Services and leader of its gender-based violence wing, said the incident was unacceptable.
“Schools are supposed to be a safe place for kids. Parents, check on your kids regularly, please. The school must provide answers, knowing parents trusted them with their children,” she said.
When approached by Merebank and Chatsworth Tabloid for comment, the school said that the matter had been addressed with the parties involved and was now with the relevant authorities.
“As the legal process is ongoing, the school will not comment on the merits of the case or make statements that could prejudice the proceedings,” the school said, adding that it respected the judicial process.
The allegations have not been tested in court, and the accused is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
