Disturbing Limpopo School Bullying Video goes viral: The attackers are armed with bricks and pangas (machetes)

Limpopo – A disturbing video depicting a brutal bullying incident involving pupils from a Limpopo school has ignited widespread anger and concern after going viral on social media. The incident, which occurred on Monday, 24 February, in Thohoyandou, Venda, has prompted calls for urgent intervention to address the growing problem of bullying in the province.

The shocking footage shows a group of pupils relentlessly attacking a fellow pupil who is lying defenceless on the ground, attempting to shield his face with his hands. The attackers, all wearing their school uniforms, are seen wielding various objects, including bricks and what appear to be pangas (machetes).

In a particularly disturbing moment, one of the attackers slaps the victim across the face while he remains prone on the ground. The ordeal is brought to an end only by the intervention of a passer-by. It is alleged that the incident took place outside the school premises.

The widespread circulation of the video has drawn condemnation from various quarters, including the Congress of South African Students (Cosas) in Limpopo, who expressed their shock and dismay at the level of violence displayed.

Cosas provincial deputy coordinator Kamogelo Makgoale stated that the province is grappling with a "pandemic of bullying, especially cyberbullying." He highlighted the alarming prevalence of bullying cases, particularly in the Vhembe district. "In Limpopo, we now have a particular pandemic of bullying, with Vhembe reporting more cases. We've seen the disturbing video, and we are shocked!" said Makgoale.

In response to the incident, Cosas is seeking an urgent meeting with Limpopo Education MEC (Member of the Executive Council) Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya and other relevant stakeholders to discuss and implement strategies to combat bullying in schools across the province. "We are going to engage with the MEC of education in our province and other relevant stakeholders to find ways that can mitigate this ongoing challenge in our province," Makgoale affirmed.

Limpopo education spokesman Mike Maringa confirmed that the incident occurred outside of school hours, near a prominent shopping complex in the area, on Monday, 24 February. He added that the local circuit would convene an urgent meeting with the principals of the schools involved to "ascertain the root cause and intervene accordingly."

Despite the public outcry and the circulation of the video, Limpopo police told Daily Sun that they were unable to comment on the incident as no case had been officially opened.

"Please be informed that we never got any response from our team in the Vhembe district regarding the incident. We are unable to give a comment on an alleged incident if the case is not registered," said Police Spokesman, Lieutenant-Colonel Stephen Thakeng.

The lack of a formal police investigation, despite the graphic evidence of the bullying incident, has raised further concerns among residents and advocacy groups.