Mother of teen assaulted by peers says they experienced challenges reporting to police

JOHANNESBURG - The mother of a 14-year-old girl assaulted by a group of peers said they experienced challenges in reporting the incident to police.

Seven teenagers caught on video attacking the girl returned to the Johannesburg Magistrates Court on Wednesday morning for their second appearance.

The footage, which went viral last week, shows the girl being beaten by the teens, aged between 14 and 17.

The accused were suspended and arrested shortly after the incident.

Minors facing criminal charges are protected by law — their identities kept confidential, and court proceedings closed to the media.

Wednesday’s appearance was delayed due to a preliminary inquiry, where a probation officer and social worker gather background details before the case proceeds.

The victim’s mother said laying a charge at the police station was challenging.

“The police officers at Yeoville Police Station said, ‘Try and resolve the issue with the other parents. The girls are minors — they won’t get arrested.’”

She eventually opened the case at Bedfordview Police Station, saying her daughter is still recovering from the incident.

The case was postponed to 28 May.