Seventeen learners at Erasmus Monareng High School in Gauteng have allegedly been assaulted by private security personnel during disciplinary operations at the school.
The incident follows search and seizure operations carried out by the Gauteng Department of Education at several schools across the province.
According to reports, the school subsequently decided to conduct its own operations to enforce discipline and brought in private security personnel to assist.
Some of the learners who spoke to eNCA alleged that they were assaulted by the security guards, despite not having committed any offence.
Several learners claimed they were not late for school, while others said they were beaten after questioning why they were being punished.
The learners said they were not given clear explanations for the disciplinary action before allegedly being assaulted.
The Gauteng Department of Education has confirmed that it is aware of the allegations and has engaged with the school's management over the incident.
The department has also deployed psycho-social support services to the school to assist learners who were allegedly assaulted.
A meeting involving Gauteng Education MEC Lebogang Maile is expected to take place at the school to address the incident and discuss the allegations against the private security personnel.
The circumstances surrounding the alleged assaults are expected to be further examined as authorities engage with the school, learners and other parties involved.