South Africa: 11-Year-Old Boy Allegedly Forced Into Circumcision by Four Schoolmates

An 11-year-old boy in South Africa has allegedly been forcibly circumcised by four older pupils at a primary school in Soshanguve, north of Pretoria.

The Grade 5 pupil was reportedly attacked during break time at Sinqobile Primary School by four Grade 7 students, who allegedly dragged him into a school toilet and restrained him before carrying out the act.

According to the Daily Mail, the pupils allegedly warned the boy not to tell anyone about what had happened. He reportedly returned home after the incident but initially kept the ordeal to himself.

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 mother, whose identity has not been disclosed to protect her son, said she later learned that four pupils were allegedly responsible. She told the publication that her son identified them as Grade 7 students and said they had threatened him with further violence if he reported the incident. She has since opened a criminal case.

South African Police Service spokesperson Captain Tintswalo Sibeko confirmed that the matter was being investigated as assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. He said the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit was handling the investigation and that no arrests had been made at the time of the report.

The Gauteng Department of Education also confirmed that the police were investigating the incident. The department said any action against those involved would be determined by the outcome of the investigation.

Sinqobile Primary School deputy principal George Mahlangu described the incident as deeply disturbing, stressing that schools should provide a safe environment for children. Police reportedly took the boy back to the school to assist in identifying the alleged attackers, while his mother expressed concern about his return to classes.

The case has also drawn attention to wider concerns surrounding unsafe circumcision practices in parts of South Africa. Traditional male initiation, known as Ulwaluko among some communities, is a legally recognised rite of passage when conducted in regulated settings, but illegal initiation schools and unqualified practitioners have been associated with serious injuries and deaths.

The Daily Mail reported that 43 boys died during a recent initiation season, underscoring the continuing concerns over the safety of circumcision practices involving minors.