An 11-year-old Grade 5 pupil in South Africa was allegedly attacked and forcibly circumcised by four older schoolmates. The incident reportedly took place during break time at Sinqobile Primary School in Soshanguve, north of Pretoria.

According to the boy’s mother, the Grade 7 pupils held him down in a school toilet and carried out the act.

They also threatened him not to tell anyone what had happened. The boy returned home without immediately revealing the attack.
His mother later noticed he was walking unusually and complaining of severe pain.

After he showed her his injury, she took him to a doctor, where the full extent of what had occurred became clear. She has since opened a criminal case.

South African police said the matter is being investigated as assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. The Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit is handling the case, and no arrests have been made so far.

The Gauteng Department of Education stated that the outcome of the police investigation will determine any further action. The school’s deputy principal described the incident as disturbing, noting that schools should be safe spaces for children. The boy was later taken back to the school by police to identify the alleged attackers.

Photo credit: Punch Newspaper