Teacher ‘breaks’ pupil’s hand with steel pipe

According to the girl’s mother, she came home from work earlier this month and found her daughter complaining of severe pain in her left hand, which was extremely swollen. It is believed the daughter, along with other pupils from Munsiefield Primary School, were punished by a teacher with a steel pipe because they did not answer a mathematical question correctly, Krugersdorp News reported.

The child was then taken to a private doctor, who confirmed her fingers were broken. She was referred and admitted to Dr Yusuf Dadoo Hospital. According to the mother, the child is expected to undergo surgery to reconstruct her hand, but due to the swelling the operation has been delayed.

Meanwhile, Gauteng department of education spokesperson Phumla Sekhonyane on Thursday toldThe Citizen it had sent officials to the school and were awaiting a report from the principal.

“The department views this matter in a very serious light, and we strongly condemn corporal punishment, as it is outlawed by the constitution. The alleged behaviour of the educator, if proven true, is completely unacceptable,” she said.

She added if the teacher were to be found guilty, he would face assault charges and face possible dismissal. Sekhonyane also said counselling would be offered to the learner.

– Caxton News Service