The Department of Education at Bhisho has instituted punitive and educational punishment against seven Grey High School Grade 12 learners in Port Elizabeth for giving whacks to junior boys in the hostel.
The younger grade 8 boys were reportedly hit with hockey sticks, cricket bats and PVC pipes for not doing what the older boys told them to do.
AlgoaFM News has learned that this was not an isolated incident but happened over a period of time earlier this year.
In terms of Education Department policy, Grey High School is not allowed to comment but has indicated that it sent its statement on the matter to Bhisho.
Department Spokesperson Mali Mtima confirmed that they were awaiting the school's official response, but that in the interim, a disciplinary enquiry had already been held on the 3rd of October.
He says the seven boys were all punished for their actions.
Mtima says the boys showed remorse and agreed to be "agents of change".
He says they have also attended the necessary workshops that aim to eradicate this type of behaviour.
