Stanger Manor teacher faces assault charge after vape search incident

A teacher at Stanger Manor Secondary School faces a common assault charge after allegedly manhandling a pupil during a search for a vape.

The pupil claims the incident left him with a bruised arm and back, and a torn shirt.

Saps iLembe district spokesperson Priya Nunkumar confirmed a case was opened at the KwaDukuza Police Station following the incident on February 20. The allegations have not yet been tested in court.

According to the pupil’s handwritten account, seen by the Courier, the matter began on February 18 when another pupil offered a vape to a group of peers, including the complainant. He admitted taking a pull and later apologised.

The group was summoned to appear before a disciplinary tribunal at the school.

Two days later, the teacher allegedly entered a classroom and accused the same pupils of again having a vape, searching their bodies and bags in front of classmates.

The pupil claims he asked for the search to stop, but the teacher allegedly grabbed him by the arm and pushed him against a board.

At the tribunal the following day, the pupil apologised for vaping. His mother attempted to raise the alleged assault but was reportedly told to submit a written complaint.

The following day, the mother and son opened an assault case at the KwaDukuza Police Station.

Acting principal Anstel Francis confirmed the alleged incident had been reported to the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education but declined further comment.

The Courier also requested comment from the accused teacher via the school but had not received a response by the time of publication. The education department was approached for comment but had also not responded.

Under the South African Schools Act, searches are permitted only where there is reasonable suspicion and must be conducted respectfully, by someone of the same gender, in private and in the presence of another person. The South African Council for Educators prohibits any form of physical punishment and improper physical contact may constitute assault under the law.

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