Seven South African teenage girls arrested after bullying video goes viral online

Seven teenage girls have been arrested in Gauteng, South Africa in connection with a bullying video that has since gone viral on social media.

National police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo said the girls, aged between 13 and 14, were arrested on Sunday, May 18, 2025 and released into the custody of their parents.

Masondo confirmed the arrests were made after the viral video caused outrage on social media, with many calling for police intervention. 

The teenagers are accused of assaulting another teenager in Bellevue, Johannesburg, on May 10, 2025.

They face charges of common assault and are expected to appear in their local court on Monday, May 19, 2025.

In the video, a teenage girl is seen seated on a bed. She is surrounded by other girls in the room. 

Four girls then approach the victim, and following an argument, the victim is slapped by one of the girls

The victim remains on the bed and covers her face with her hands. 

“A case of common assault was opened at the local police station, and the suspects were rounded up,” Masondo added.