A parent has come forward with disturbing claims that her three children were subjected to corporal punishment at Laerskool Venterpos Primary – including being beaten with a cricket bat and PVC pipes – prompting the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) to launch a formal investigation.

According to the parent, her son returned home at around 09:00 one morning, having walked home from school after he was allegedly beaten on the hands with a cricket bat. He told her his fingers were broken.

Shocked by this, she immediately returned to the school and informed the principal that she intended to open a case. The parent alleges she was then thrown out of the school and further claims the principal threatened to expel her two other children, who are still enrolled there.

“As a parent, I am not allowed to hit my children, so who gives a teacher the right to do so?” she questioned.

The parent stated this was not the first incident. When she first became aware of corporal punishment at the school, she approached the principal, who reportedly called in five educators. The parent said all five admitted to the punishment and promised to stop – but the abuse allegedly continued.

In response to these allegations, GDE spokesperson Steve Mabona confirmed that an investigation into the alleged use of corporal punishment is currently underway.

“We take the safety of all our learners very seriously, and as such, necessary disciplinary action will be taken accordingly, pending the outcome of the investigations.

“We condemn any form of assault on learners in schools, as corporal punishment is outlawed by the Constitution and the South African Schools Act.”

Mabona explained that such cases are referred to the department’s Labour Relations Unit for thorough investigation, counselling, and consequence management.

“Furthermore, we appeal to our educators to refrain from all types of misconduct and focus on learning and teaching. Educators should lead by example to ensure that learners mirror their conduct in creating a safe school environment, conducive to effective learning and teaching.”

The department has also dispatched its Psycho-Social Support team to the school to provide the necessary support.