Attorney Megan Harrington-Johnson discusses legal implications of the Limpopo bullying case
A Grade 10 pupil, who was the victim of bullying at Mbilwi High School in Thohoyandou, has died.
[Photo taken before March 2020]
According to Jacaranda FM News, the bullying was captured on a video that made the rounds on social media on Tuesday.
The girl is believed to subsequently have committed suicide.
Breakfast with Martin Bester spoke to Megan Harrington-Johnson, Managing Partner at HJW Attorneys about the legal implications in this case.
HJW Attorneys was recognised as one of Africa’s Leading Boutique Law Firms in 2019.
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“Bullying is not a crime as yet but the act of bullying can constitute,” says Harrington-Johnson.
“Be careful with your actions all the time. If you are filming such an act or taking part in it, there will be consequences.”
What do you do as a parent? “The first point of call is the school. Teachers have a duty of care towards the children when the child is at school. If that is unsuccessful, contact your closest police station.”
In a statement, the Department of Education in Limpopo confirmed the incident took place at the school on Monday.
READ: ‘Bullied’ Grade 10 pupil dies in Limpopo
"The department was this morning alerted to a shocking video recording of a female Grade 10 learner being slapped around at Mbilwi Secondary School in the Vhembe East education district.”
"In the video, other learners can be heard in the background cheering on the perpetrator, who is also a Grade 10 female learner.
"The victimised learner is reported to have since passed away. However, the cause of death is unknown. The department is awaiting a formal report on the cause from the relevant authorities."
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Image credit: Jacaranda FM