Seven Teenage Girls Arrested After Alleged Assault in Bellevue, Johannesburg
Seven teenage girls between the ages of 13 and 14 have been arrested in connection with an alleged assault on a fellow 14-year-old girl in Bellevue, Johannesburg. The incident, which occurred on May 10, came to the public’s attention after a video of the attack went viral on social media, sparking outrage and calls for accountability.
The video shows a group of school-aged girls surrounding and physically attacking another girl in what appears to be a residential area. Witnesses can be heard shouting in the background, while no one in the footage is seen intervening. The video quickly gained traction online, prompting authorities to investigate the matter and open a case of common assault.
Police spokesperson Sergeant Thabiso Mthethwa confirmed the arrests, stating that the suspects were taken into custody shortly after the video emerged. “A case of common assault was opened following the incident captured in the video. Seven girls were arrested and later released into the care of their parents, in line with the provisions of the Child Justice Act,” Mthethwa said.
The Child Justice Act provides for the handling of minors in conflict with the law, emphasizing rehabilitation and reintegration into society. As such, the girls were not detained but released into parental custody with conditions attached.
All seven appeared briefly in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court on Monday, May 19. The matter was postponed to allow for further investigation, including reports from social workers and school authorities.
According to sources close to the investigation, the motive for the assault remains unclear. However, early indications suggest the incident may have stemmed from a personal dispute among the teenagers. Authorities are also probing whether bullying or peer pressure played a role.
The Department of Social Development has since been engaged to provide counseling to both the victim and the accused, given the traumatic nature of the incident.
Community leaders and child rights advocates have condemned the violence, calling for increased awareness around bullying and youth aggression. “This is a wake-up call for parents, schools, and communities. We must ensure our children understand the consequences of violence and the value of empathy,” said Noma Dlamini, a child psychologist based in Johannesburg.
Police have urged the public to stop sharing the video on social platforms, noting that it could cause further emotional harm to the minors involved and potentially interfere with ongoing legal proceedings.
As the investigation continues, the case has ignited national debate around youth violence, digital accountability, and the role of social media in exposing — and amplifying — acts of aggression among school-aged children.
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