KZN Education condemns bullying after learner assault filmed at Eastwood Secondary School
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education has condemned a bullying incident at Eastwood Secondary School in the uMgungundlovu District, where a learner was filmed being assaulted by another learner in the presence of other pupils on Wednesday, 4 February 2026.
In a statement, the department said the incident had “undermined the fundamental right of learners to a safe and dignified learning environment” and described bullying, intimidation, and all forms of violence in schools as unacceptable.
Following the incident, spokesperson for the KwaZulu-Natal department of education Muzi Mhlambi, said the Circuit Management officials, the school’s governing body (SGB), and the South African Police Service (SAPS) visited the school on Monday, February 9, to investigate and to offer support to the affected learners, educators, and the broader school community.
The department confirmed that a case had been opened with SAPS and that investigations were underway.
Mhlambi said a meeting would be held to determine the way forward.
He added that, in line with departmental policy and pending the outcome of the investigation, the alleged perpetrators have been suspended from school as a precautionary measure to safeguard learners and to allow due process to take its course.
MEC for Education in KwaZulu-Natal, Sipho Hlomuka, called on parents, educators and communities to work collaboratively with the department to instil discipline, respect, and positive values among learners, saying schools must remain safe havens for learning and development.
“Our schools must remain safe havens for learning and development. Acts of bullying have no place in our education system,” said Hlomuka.
He commended the swift intervention by school management, Circuit officials, and SAPS and said the department “will ensure that appropriate action is taken once the investigation has been finalised.”
The department “remains committed to strengthening school safety, protecting learner welfare, and responding decisively to all forms of learner misconduct.”
hope.ntanzi@iol.co.za
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