In the bustling province of Gauteng in South Africa, a disturbing incident has brought the issue of bullying back into the spotlight. Seven young girls, barely into their teens, have found themselves on the wrong side of the law after a video surfaced online, depicting what authorities describe as a troubling assault. The incident, which took place on 10 May 2025 in the Johannesburg suburb of Bellevue, has sparked outrage and ignited a debate about the responsibility of parents, schools, and the justice system in addressing this pervasive problem.
The video, which quickly went viral across social media platforms, shows a teenage girl seated on a bed, seemingly cornered and vulnerable. Surrounding her are several other girls, their faces a mixture of anger and aggression. The situation escalates rapidly as an argument ensues, culminating in one of the girls slapping the seated teenager. The victim, visibly shaken, cowers and covers her face, while the others continue to surround her.
The graphic nature of the video and the apparent helplessness of the victim have triggered a wave of condemnation online. Many social media users have expressed their disgust and called for swift and decisive action against the perpetrators. The hashtag #StopBullying has been trending in South Africa, with thousands of people sharing their own experiences with bullying and demanding stricter measures to protect young people.
Following the widespread outrage, police in Gauteng swiftly launched an investigation, leading to the arrest of seven girls, aged between 13 and 14. National police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo confirmed that the girls were taken into custody on Sunday, 18 May 2025, and subsequently released into the care of their parents. They are expected to appear in their local court on Monday, 19 May 2025, to face charges of common assault.
The arrest of the girls has ignited a firestorm of opinions across social media, reflecting the deep divisions and strong emotions surrounding this case.
One user, Vusi, exclaimed, "Hey, madoda! In this day of social media, you don't do that and get away with it! They will learn a very valuable lesson, hopefully they'll be better people going forward!"
Lammie raised a legal point, stating, "The criminal responsibility of a child is at 12 in South Africa. None of these girls qualify for that. They should be held in custody."
Gumgedle's comment was short and to the point: "Excellent, we have no space for bullies in our society."
Feedman observed a potential bias, saying, "If it was boys assaulting a girl, Welelele it was gonna be in every mainstream, But it's girls it's all good. Their case is a minor."
Nomsa Mtshali shared a piece of information, "1 of them attended school with my daughter last year and she was expelled for having sex in the girls bathrooms. Yooooh labantwana at 13 years."
SukumaUngesabi questioned the parents, "They must appear before court and learn a lesson or two, but nabazali babo you question ukuthi banga bantu abanjani if their kids are like this."
Ex expressed anger, "If that was my child bekuzawnuku msunu they were all going to relocate to Limpopo."
Thabza suggested a different approach, "Because we can't arrest them. The govt should punish them, corporally so."
Insane in the Membrane proposed community service, "They should get stiff community service like cleaning the school they attend, & do that cleaning in front of all the pupils. Sweeping floors, cleaning blackboard, removing trash, wash windows. The message for the pupils is that this is what your future holds if you bully people."
KataKata believed in a brief prison stay, "They must let them spend a few days in prison though, it will hopefully be a wake up call."
Pale demanded justice, "The justice system must not fail us Brigadier! Let them all go to juvenile prison! That little girl is left with a scar that no one can ever remove!"
Fezile criticized the release, "Released into the very same parents who brought then to be bullies."
Birdman called for legal reform, "They should change this laws, coz they do it deliberately knowing that they will be released."
While the arrest of the girls has been welcomed by many, it has also raised questions about the appropriate course of action. Some argue that the girls should be held accountable for their actions and face the full consequences of the law, while others believe that a more restorative approach is needed, focusing on rehabilitation and education.
The incident in Bellevue is not an isolated case. Bullying remains a significant problem in South African schools and communities, affecting countless young people. Studies have shown that a significant percentage of South African students have experienced bullying, either as victims or perpetrators. The consequences of bullying can be devastating, leading to anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and even suicidal thoughts.
The Department of Basic Education has acknowledged the seriousness of the problem and has implemented various initiatives to address bullying in schools. These include anti-bullying campaigns, workshops for students and teachers, and the establishment of school safety committees. However, many believe that more needs to be done to create a safe and supportive learning environment for all students.
Sifiso Ngobese, Director for School Safety at the Department of Basic Education, has expressed concern about the rising number of bullying incidents in schools. He emphasized the importance of early intervention and the need for a collaborative approach involving parents, teachers, and the community.
The legal implications of the case are also complex. In South Africa, the age of criminal responsibility is 12, meaning that children under the age of 12 cannot be held criminally liable for their actions. While the seven girls in this case are all above the age of 12, their young age may be a mitigating factor in sentencing.
The court will need to consider a range of factors, including the severity of the assault, the girls' backgrounds, and their potential for rehabilitation. The court may also order the girls to undergo counseling or community service.
Follow Us on Twitter
