A 10-year-old girl from Lentegeur is too scared to go to school after she was allegedly bullied by fellow pupils, leaving her bruised and badly traumatised.
The Grade 4 girl attends Merrydale Primary School and her parents say despite their many complaints, neither the principal nor the teachers have helped their child.
The child claims she was punched, kicked, pushed and smacked by a boy in 2018, and this year two girls have started bullying her.
Her family says the little girl, who used to be a bright pupil, has lost her zest for life and refuses to go to school or even attend the class Christmas party this year.
The family has asked not to be named for fear of further victimisation.
In a photograph shown to the Daily Voice, the girl shows a large blue bruise on her abdomen which she says was caused in April when one of the girls allegedly kicked her in class “for no reason”.
PAINFUL: The bullied 10-year-old girl shows bruising. Picture: supplied
The girl’s 42-year-old aunt, speaking on behalf of the family, says they’ve had several meetings with the principal and teachers but nothing has been done to stop the bullying.
“We have had enough of this. That little girl used to be so happy and excited about school and learning and now she refuses to even go near the school,” she says.
“I sent an email to the school and numerous times to the (Western Cape Education) Department but we are just not getting any help.”
The family is now worried about the child’s mental health and future prospects.
“We don’t know what to do anymore.”
TRAUMA: Pupil and mother.
The little girl says she is afraid to go back to school because of the bullies.
“It’s not nice to be someone’s punching bag. I did nothing to them, but they keep hurting me,” she says.
“Hulle ruk en pluk aan my hare, and push me around and throw me with stuff.
“The boy stopped last year, but this year it is two girls in my class. I’m scared and don’t want to go to school anymore,” she says.
The WCED says it was not aware of the matter but will launch an investigation.
CONFIRM: Bronagh Hammond
WCED spokesperson Bronagh Hammond says: “The family can contact the Metro South district office directly and lay a complaint. I have notified the Circuit Manager as well.”