Kimberley – Four pupils from a Northern Cape school who are facing charges of raping a fellow teen have been expelled from the school pending an investigation, Netwerk24 reported on Tuesday.

The four have been charged for raping the 18-year-old boy in the school’s hostel. The incident was caught on cellphone cameras and one of the videos has gone viral.

“The pupils involved received notice of expulsion and an order to appear before a disciplinary committee. They have also received the charges,” said Sydney Stander, education department spokesperson.

The victim was tied with rope to a steel-framed bed, beaten, smeared with a white substance thought to be soap or shaving cream, and then raped with the handle of a broomstick.

About 20 boys watched and laughed while the victim cried out for help.

The attack is suspected to have been racially motivated because the four, aged between 14 and 18, are white and the boy is coloured.

It is suspected they attacked the teen last Sunday after finding out his mother was white, reported City Press.

They appeared in court last Friday and have been granted bail. They will be back in court on 5 March.