School assault boys in court

2009-06-05 13:28

Johannesburg - A case against 12 Parktown Boys' High School pupils accused of assaulting their junior school mates was postponed in the Johannesburg Magistrate's Court on Friday.

Magistrate Helena Prinsloo postponed the case to June 11 for a pre-trial report.

The report, to be compiled by social workers, will focus on the boys' personal circumstances to evaluate their behaviour.

The boys, aged 17, 18 and 19, are accused of assaulting fellow pupils during an initiation ceremony earlier this year.

Their appearance comes after charged were laid by the mother of one of the boys allegedly assaulted.

The boys were accompanied by their parents and relatives.

As their case was heard in camera, the media and public were not allowed in the courtroom.

Huddled in small groups

They faced charges of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, said Johannesburg police spokesperson Captain Bhekizizwe Mavundla.

"Good day, ma'am," the boys politely greeted journalists and court officials walking past them in the corridors of the court before they were called into courtroom 48.

They stood in small groups alongside their parents and spoke in hushed tones until their time to enter the courtroom was announced.

Following a short appearance, the boys emerged again with their parents before disappearing into the court building.

Eleven of the boys were taken into custody on Tuesday afternoon, but released on warnings later the same day. The 12th one was taken in on Wednesday, Mavundla said.

- SAPA