FIVE David Mama Senior Secondary School pupils in Mdantsane, Eastern Cape, have been suspended for bullying.
This after they were caught on camera assaulting a female pupil on Friday, 1 August. In the disturbing trending video, the girl is seen being bullied by five different boys.
The school transport driver was also suspended.
The incident apparently started in the bus when one of the boys slapped the girl as others were laughing. The video was taken by a female pupil who could be heard laughing and promising the perpetrators that she will not make them trend. She gets out of the bus and other boys take turns slapping the victim as she heads home.
In another video, two boys are seen running after her and one of them slaps her and he turns back and laughs.
During the visit to the school, the Department of Education said the affected pupil will be offered emotional and health support.
Meanwhile, the identified perpetrators have all been suspended, pending an investigation.
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The bus driver has also been suspended by the Department of Transport.
The investigation will last for 14 Days.
The video has brought much attention to the school and on Monday, Education MEC Fundile Gade visited the school.
Gade said the department has launched a probe into a shocking bullying incident.
"The five pupils must be given letters of suspension. They will be called to a disciplinary hearing accompanied by parents. The hearing will determine whether they will be allowed back to the school or expelled," he said.
Gade applauded the transport department for suspending the bus driver.
"When kids come to school, teachers are their parents and are under the care of the Department of Education. When they get into the bus they are under the care of the department," he said.
"The department does not tolerate any form of bullying at all its schools. It will make sure the affected pupil receives needed psychosocial support," said the MEC.
Gade called on pupils to "refrain from this unbecoming behaviour" as it directly destroys their future.
Khula Community Project spokesman Petros Majola said: "We will make sure all processes are followed, and justice is done for the young girl."
