An 11-year-old boy was allegedly dragged into a school toilet in South Africa and forcibly circumcised by four older pupils, according to a report by the Daily Mail on Wednesday.

The Grade 5 pupil was allegedly attacked during break time at Sinqobile Primary School in Soshanguve, north of Pretoria, by four Grade 7 pupils who held him down and cut off his foreskin.

The Daily Mail reported that the boys threatened the victim against telling anyone about the incident.

The boy reportedly returned home after the attack but did not immediately disclose what had happened.

His mother later noticed that he was walking unusually and, after he complained of severe pain, took him to a doctor.

The mother, who was not named to protect her son’s identity, told the Daily Mail that the boy eventually showed her his swollen penis and explained that four pupils had attacked him.

“He then showed me his swollen private parts and I rushed him to the doctor and it was then that we learned four pupils had circumcised him.

“He said the other boys pinned him down in the school toilets during break and tied a red ribbon round his penis and cut off his foreskin.

“My son said they were Grade 7 pupils and threatened to beat him up if he dared tell anyone. I have now opened a criminal case,’ she said.

The mother said she had opened a criminal case over the incident.

South African Police Service spokesman, Captain Tintswalo Sibeko, said the matter was being investigated as assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

“Our family violence, child protection and sexual offences unit are investigating and no arrests have been made at this stage,” Sibeko stated.

The Gauteng Department of Education said the matter was under investigation by the police and that the outcome would determine the action to be taken by the department.

The school’s deputy principal, George Mahlangu, described the incident as disturbing, saying the school was supposed to be a safe environment for children.

The boy was reportedly taken back to the school by police to identify the alleged attackers, while his mother expressed concern about allowing him to return to classes.

The incident comes amid concerns over unsafe circumcision practices associated with some traditional initiation schools in South Africa.

According to the Daily Mail, 43 boys died after undergoing circumcision during a recent initiation season, while illegal initiation schools have also been linked to serious injuries and deaths.

South Africa’s traditional initiation practice, known as Ulwaluko, is a rite of passage into manhood among some communities. While legally recognised initiation schools operate under regulations, illegal operations have been associated with untrained practitioners and unsafe circumcision procedures.