DAVEL – A 13-year-old learner from Davel Combined School was allegedly assaulted by a teacher, prompting an ongoing investigation.

The learner’s father claims the incident occurred in a stairwell without surveillance cameras, where the child was allegedly slapped multiple times, resulting in facial swelling and a lost tooth.

The school provided first aid and notified both the police and the learner’s father.

The teacher is said to have been temporarily suspended while the matter is investigated.

The family lodged a complaint with the school governing body, which escalated the matter to district education officials.

A disciplinary hearing initially scheduled for March 18 was postponed to April 21, raising questions about delays and procedures.

The nature of the learner’s injuries has also raised concern, including why the child was not referred to a doctor or hospital for completion of a J88 form, which is required in South Africa to officially document injuries from alleged assault and is often needed for legal or police processes.

The Highvelder reached out to the school’s principal, Thembi Sithole, who said she was not present on the day of the incident and could not comment on the matter.

She referred the newspaper to the Department of Education.

Highvelder has submitted questions to the Department of Education’s regional spokesperson, Trinity Makhubele, who has since escalated the matter to the national office.

Read more about the father’s statements and disciplinary questions in the Highvelder’s printed edition.