Wittebome High School Learner Loses Tooth in Violent Schoolyard Attack

Another disturbing case of school violence has surfaced in the Western Cape, after a Wittebome High School learner was assaulted by a classmate and lost one of his front teeth during an altercation on Wednesday morning.

Wittebome High School Learner Attacked During Break Time

According to the learner’s grandfather, the incident occurred during break time when his grandson was allegedly ambushed by a Grade 8 classmate. The victim had to be rushed to hospital for medical treatment.

The grandfather told the Daily Voice that the altercation stemmed from a dispute in class earlier that morning, which resulted in a teacher confiscating both learners’ cellphones.

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“When my grandson handed in his phone, he told the teacher where the other boy had hidden his,” he said. “That made the boy angry. During break time, he attacked my grandson, hitting him in the face so hard that one of his big teeth came out. Then he ran away and jumped the fence.”

Ongoing Pattern of Violence

The family has since opened a case of assault with the police. The grandfather alleged that the same boy had previously been suspended for bullying and had even attempted to stab his grandson the week before.

“That boy is getting away with too much,” he said. “He acts like a gangster in and out of school. The school keeps saying they aren’t responsible if incidents happen outside the gates — but we have to escort my grandson every day for his safety.”

He added that the alleged bully and his friends often target other pupils after school hours, sometimes involving individuals who are not enrolled at Wittebome High.

Education Department Response

Western Cape Education Department (WCED) spokesperson Millicent Merton confirmed the incident and said that the school is taking disciplinary action against the alleged perpetrator.

“The school is taking disciplinary action after a Grade 8 learner allegedly assaulted a classmate and left the premises without permission,” said Merton.

She added that school staff immediately attended to the injured learner and contacted the parents of both pupils.

“According to the school, the altercation allegedly followed online and social media incidents over the weekend,” Merton said. “The district-based support team will provide assistance to the affected learners.”

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