Msholozi teacher in court for alleged assault of Grade R pupil
The Mpumalanga Department of Education said the use of corporal punishment in schools is a contentious issue.
A five-year-old Grade R boy was allegedly assaulted by his teacher at Boschrand Primary School on February 13. According to his mother, the teacher had beaten the pupil on his back, using a 30cm ruler, after he had refused to participate in class. She claimed the teacher admitted this to her.
“I am utterly disappointed by the teacher’s actions. I went to the school on February 14 and I was told that my son was not healthy. The teacher said I do not give my son cornflakes and milk, that is why he is unhealthy. When I asked her not to beat my child, she laughed and said my son will fail and I can do what I think is right,” said the mother.
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She said she took the child to a clinic on February 14 where she was referred to a doctor.
“The doctor examined him and found that there was no serious injury. He gave the child medication to treat the pain he had.”
The mother said she notified the principal of the incident, who promised to take swift action.
“The principal has since been silent on the matter. I escalated the issue to the Insikazi Circuit, but have not received any assistance. They are not concerned, citing that they only hear from the principal about such allegations.”
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She eventually reported the matter to the White River police, which led to an arrest on February 17. The teacher appeared in the White River Magistrate’s Court on February 18 where she was released on free bail.
The matter was postponed to May 15. The National Prosecuting Authority’s Mpumalanga spokesperson, Monica Nyuswa, said the State is awaiting a forensic statement from the social worker who evaluated the child.
The spokesperson for the Mpumalanga Department of Education, Gerald Sambo, said the department is also investigating the matter.
“Should the educator be found guilty, appropriate sanctions will be imposed in accordance with applicable law.”
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Sambo pleaded with educators to adopt corrective measures and abstain from employing corporal punishment.
