Sinqobile Primary School student allegedly forcibly circumcised by peers

An 11-year-old Grade 4 student at Sinqobile Primary School in Soshanguve, north of Pretoria, was allegedly forcibly circumcised by older pupils inside the school toilets. The incident occurred during a school break, where a group of older boys reportedly pinned the victim down. According to reports, one student tied a red ribbon around the boy's penis before cutting off the foreskin in a manner resembling traditional initiation schools, but without medical stitches.

The victim's mother discovered the assault after noticing her son was walking strangely and experiencing significant swelling. The boy had reportedly been threatened with physical violence if he disclosed the incident.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) has opened a criminal case of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm. The Gauteng Department of Education confirmed that investigators are looking into the matter. The incident has sparked community protests outside the school, with parents demanding increased security, better monitoring of hallways, and accountability from the school administration.