A teacher at Mahareng Secondary School in Boipatong allegedly slapped a Grade 10 learner earlier this year in full view of other pupils. The 17-year-old pupil has been left with not only physical pain but also lingering emotional distress.

She has reportedly been suffering from persistent headaches and a health scare since the unfortunate incident.

Anna Tsolo (55) mother of the affected pupil told Ster South that she took steps of opening a criminal case against the teacher responsible for the alleged assault.

However, her efforts were met with frustration when the school principal reportedly refused to provide assistance.

The inability to secure cooperation from the school principal has resulted in the unfortunate closure of the assault case due to a supposed ‘lack of evidence’.

Speaking to the Ster team at her family home in Tshepiso, Tsolo said all she wants is to ensure that her daughter’s rights are upheld and that justice is served.

“My daughter said a fellow pupil was standing in class while a teacher wrote notes on the board. When she asked the said classmate to sit down, the teacher allegedly approached her and slapped her several times,” she said.

“I went to the school a couple of days later after I sent a letter to the principal reporting the incident, he promised to intervene but refused to give police a statement,” she said.

The distressed mother said the teacher doesn’t show remorse.

“It’s one thing to make a mistake and show remorse than act pompous. He had promised to take the child for medical check-ups. Now he doesn’t answer our calls,” she said.

“My daughter’s well-being and dignity have been compromised, and I will not rest until the responsible teacher is held accountable,” she stated firmly.

Gauteng Education Department spokesperson Steve Mabona said the department is aware of the incident.

“The Department is deeply concerned about the allegations brought forward against the educator. We have launched an investigation and as such necessary action will be taken accordingly,” he said.

Mabona said according to information at their disposal, a case of assault was opened by the parent at the SAPS and went before the court.

“The case was dismissed due to lack of evidence. We condemn any form of assault on learners in schools as corporal punishment is outlawed by the Constitution and the South African Schools Act. We have waged a stiff war against educators who continue to assault learners and we will not hesitate to ensure that appropriate action is taken against such educators,” said Mabona.