An 11-year-old boy has allegedly been forcibly circumcised by four older pupils inside a school toilet in Soshanguve, north of Pretoria, South Africa.
The Grade 5 pupil was reportedly attacked during break time at Sinqobile Primary School by four Grade 7 pupils, who allegedly restrained him and cut off his foreskin.
According to reports, the pupils allegedly threatened to assault the boy if he disclosed the incident to anyone.
The boy reportedly returned home after the incident without immediately telling his family what had happened. His mother later became concerned after noticing that he was walking unusually and complaining of severe pain.
She subsequently took him to a doctor, where the alleged assault was discovered.
The mother said her son later explained that the four pupils had dragged him into a school toilet, pinned him down and tied a red ribbon around his penis before cutting off his foreskin.
She said she had reported the matter to the police and opened a criminal case.
South African Police Service spokesperson Captain Tintswalo Sibeko confirmed that the case was being investigated as assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
“Our Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit are investigating, and no arrests have been made at this stage,” Sibeko said.
The Gauteng Department of Education also confirmed that the police were investigating the incident and said any action by the department would depend on the outcome of the investigation.
The school’s deputy principal, George Mahlangu, described the incident as disturbing, stressing that schools should provide a safe environment for children.
Police reportedly took the boy back to the school to identify the alleged attackers, while his mother expressed concerns about his safety and whether he should return to classes.
The incident has also renewed concerns about unsafe circumcision practices in parts of South Africa. Traditional male circumcision, known as Ulwaluko, is practised as a rite of passage into manhood in some communities. Although regulated initiation schools operate legally, authorities have repeatedly raised concerns about illegal facilities and unsafe practices that can result in serious injuries and deaths.
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