Gauteng education dept welcomes dismissal of teacher who assaulted Grade R learner
"As the GDE we are fully behind the school's decision to dismiss the practitioner as it sends out a strong message to everyone working with learners at our schools never to use violence as a form of disciplinary measure."
The Gauteng education department has welcomed the dismissal of a teacher who was seen on social media last week allegedly assaulting a Grade R learner at the Nchuncheko primary school in Soshanguve.
Departmental spokesperson Steve Mabona said the department can confirm that the disciplinary process had been concluded with the verdict being the immediate dismissal of the Grade R practitioner.
Last week Mabona said it must be noted that teacher had been removed from the school, pending a disciplinary hearing scheduled for 24 May.
“Our psycho-social unit has been dispatched to the school to offer counselling to the affected learner.
“We remain unequivocal in our condemnation of any form of assault of learners in our schools as corporal punishment is outlawed by the country’s constitution.”
Mabona said they had never hesitated to act when such matters were reported and would continue to prioritise safety at schools at all times.
“We believe that educators should at all times lead by example to create a safe schooling environment conducive for effective learning.”
Police spokesperson Captain Stephen Maluleka confirmed a case of common assault has been opened against the teacher at Rietgat police station.
This is after the child’s grandmother alleged that police refused to assist her to open a case regarding the incident when she visited the station last week.
Maluleka said according to internal investigations, “the grandmother [of the child] stormed out of the station’s client service centre as the police officer who was taking the statement was busy interviewing her”.
“The case has been allocated to the family violence, child protection and sexual offences unit for further handling.”
The child’s grandmother said she felt happy that the teacher had been removed from the school.
“He started going to school on Tuesday. I am happy that they are receiving help from social workers and I also feel happy that the teacher is not at the school anymore,” she said
Last week during an interview with Rekord, the grandmother the child was afraid of going to school.
“He gets afraid when he sees people. He has been saying he will not go to school because he’s afraid of the teacher.”
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