Durban pupil, 13, badly beaten in alleged bullying incident

The boy's father says the attack occurred last week - leaving his son with injuries to his ribs, neck and leg. 

He claims four Grade 11 pupils attacked his 13-year-old son just before the end of the school day.

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Police say their investigation is still ongoing and no arrests have been made. 

The KZN Department of Education says it is probing all bullying incidents at schools that are brought to its attention. 

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The department's Muzi Mahlambi says bullying at schools appears to be spiraling out of control. 

"Some of the incidents start small but graduate into serious incidents. There are children that have had to be hospitalised because they were bullied. You'll find some of the children have to leave school while others die in the process of being bullied," he said. 

He's urging parents and teachers to take all incidents reported to them seriously.

While the chairperson of the school's governing body, Johanne Van Royen says the incident is disappointing. 

"We've gone through the process of setting up a hearing for the learners involved and with the help of the Department of Education we will conduct the hearings and then evaluate the outcome. We will take the necessary actions after that," he said.