{
  "id": 20168510,
  "title": "An Umlazi school investigates WhatsApp group targeting pupils",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/15/an-umlazi-school-investigates-whatsapp-group-targeting-pupils",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-15T12:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "IOL",
    "slug": "iol",
    "url": "https://iol.co.za/sunday-tribune/news/2026-11-15-an-umlazi-school-investigates-whatsapp-group-targeting-pupils/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": null,
  "summary": "An investigation is underway at Shumayela Secondary School in Umlazi following allegations that a pupil created a WhatsApp group dedicated to mocking and harassing fellow pupils. The group, which allegedly posted altered images of pupils, contained messages written in isiZulu, some of which read: “Do your parents know that you are prostitutes” and “You can tell when someone is on HIV treatment”. The school principal, Mthokozisi Mabaso, confirmed that he was aware of the WhatsApp group and that all parents have been informed about the situation. The pupil who allegedly created the group has been asked to bring his parents to school, and other pupils involved will be called in for interviews. The WhatsApp group has about 185 followers and it has not yet been taken down. The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education has stated that they are aware of the incident and that they will take disciplinary actions to address the issue. Parents have expressed their concern over the matter, with some urging the school management and education department to take online harassment just as seriously as physical bullying.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}