Bishops Diocesan College has instituted disciplinary action against seven learners who allegedly assaulted a fellow classmate at the prestigious Western Cape's boarding facility.
The teen was so badly beaten that he had to be rushed to hospital. The school confirmed that the learner has since been discharged.
In response to IOL's questions, Bishops stated that the learners have been charged with breaching the school's Code of Conduct and further breaching its anti-bullying policy.
“As a matter of principle, the school said it did not comment publicly on confidential learner matters, however, it confirmed that boys have been charged with breaching the school's Code of Conduct,” Bishops said.
It explained that an independent advocate, chairing the disciplinary process, has recommended the strongest possible sanction, against any learner found guilty of the charges.
“The pupils have five days to appeal any sanctions handed down as part of the disciplinary process, and Bishops is unable to comment further on the disciplinary proceedings out of respect for the ongoing legal process and a desire not to prejudice this process in any way.”
The school said its Code of Conduct and anti-bullying policy both have clear expectations of learners and a zero-tolerance stance towards any behaviour of this kind.
“Physical and emotional abuse has no place in our school, our boarding houses, or in society in general, and this safeguarding message has been shared countless times with the students and staff of Bishops — which makes this shocking violation of the trust placed in senior pupils in particular, so difficult to understand and process,” the school said.
Furthermore, Bishops will be introducing additional security measures in each boarding house to improve safeguarding with immediate effect and will be initiating an independent review of boarding practices and procedures within the next 30 days.
This is not the first time the elite all-boys school has been implicated in violent incidents.
In August, Bishop's under-19 rugby team was involved in a fight after a derby match Piley Rees Field in Rondebosch.
At the time, Cape Argus reported that a video that surfaced on social media shows a brawl breaking out following the celebrations. According to the report, players from the two schools exchanged blows, while spectators attempted to break up the brawl.
A former learner has also been in the news lately after he was sued for an assault in February 2018.
According to reports, Bingo Ivanisevic assaulted Ross Stone at a water polo match.
* No To Bullying is an IOL initiative. If you feel like you are being bullied or know of someone being bullied, reach out to:
Childline — 116
Stop Gender Violence — 0800 150 150
South African Depression and Anxiety Group — 0800 567 567
Sonke Gender Justice — 0861 322 322
Legal Aid — 011 877 2000
South African Federation for Mental Health — 011 781 1852
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