An 11-year-old boy in South Africa has allegedly been forcibly circumcised by four older pupils inside a school toilet, prompting a police investigation into the disturbing incident.
The Grade 5 pupil was reportedly attacked during break time at Sinqobile Primary School in Soshanguve, north of Pretoria, by four Grade 7 pupils who allegedly restrained him and removed his foreskin.
According to a report by the Daily Mail, the older pupils allegedly warned the boy not to tell anyone about what had happened.
The child reportedly returned home after the incident without immediately revealing what he had experienced. His mother became concerned after noticing that he was walking unusually and complaining of severe pain.
She subsequently took him to a doctor, where the circumstances surrounding his injuries reportedly became known.
The boy later told his mother that the pupils had taken him into a school toilet, restrained him and carried out the circumcision. He also reportedly said the pupils threatened him with further violence if he disclosed the incident.
The mother, whose identity has not been disclosed to protect her son, said she reported the matter to the police and opened a criminal case.
South African Police Service spokesperson Captain Tintswalo Sibeko confirmed that authorities were investigating the incident as assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
Sibeko said the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit was handling the investigation, adding that no arrests had been made at the time of the report.
The Gauteng Department of Education also confirmed that the matter was being investigated by the police. The department said its response would be determined by the findings of the investigation.
Sinqobile Primary School deputy principal George Mahlangu described the incident as deeply disturbing, stressing that schools are expected to provide safe environments for children.
The boy was reportedly taken back to the school by police to help identify the pupils allegedly involved. His mother, meanwhile, expressed concern about sending her son back to school following the incident.
The case has also drawn attention to wider concerns surrounding unsafe circumcision practices in parts of South Africa.
Traditional male initiation, known as Ulwaluko, is practised as a rite of passage into manhood among some South African communities. While recognised initiation schools operate under legal and regulatory requirements, authorities have repeatedly raised concerns about illegal facilities, unqualified practitioners and unsafe procedures.
The Daily Mail reported that 43 boys died during a recent initiation season, highlighting the dangers associated with poorly regulated circumcision practices.
For the Sinqobile Primary School case, however, the alleged incident occurred within a school setting and is being treated by police as a criminal matter. The investigation is expected to establish exactly what happened and determine whether charges will be brought against those involved.