Learners of Masizakhe Secondary School protested against corporal punishment in Breyten on 1 September.
This came after more than 10 learners allegedly received corporal punishment for not attending extra classes over the weekend.
Two teachers and the principal of the school allegedly hit each learner 13 times on their hands with a pipe.
Two of the learners were taken to Ermelo Provincial Hospital due to the extent of their injuries.
One learner said the school gave them letters which stated there will be extra classes on Fridays and Saturdays however, teachers expect learners to attend classes on Sundays as well.
“Our parents do not believe us when we tell them we have extra classes on Sundays, because it is not stipulated in the letter.”
According to one of the learners who were admitted to hospital, before class began, the principal addressed learners and told them to follow her to the library.
When the learners got to the library the principal allegedly told them that they would be punished for not attending the extra classes on Saturday and Sunday.
The learner said she tried explaining that she was ill over the weekend and had to see a doctor however, the principal would allegedly not hear it.
“One teacher beat us, then another and finally the principal.
“I have received punishment before, but this time they were too harsh,” the learner alleged.
“I could not use my hand in class and the principal took me to KwaZanele Clinic where a nurse said I needed to be admitted to hospital.
“The principal transported me to a doctor in Ermelo however, the doctor, without proper observation, could not determine the seriousness.
“Later that evening my parents took me to Ermelo Provincial Hospital where X-rays were taken.
“Fortunately it is not broken, but they bandaged it up and told me not to use it as it is swollen and full of bruises.”
The learner’s next check up is next week.
Brig Leonard Hlathi, provincial police spokesman, said: “We have arrested the principal and two teachers.”
They were charged with assault with the intention to cause grievous bodily harm.
They will appear in Ermelo Magistrate Court on 2 September.
The Highvelder awaits response from Mr Gerald Sambo, spokesman of Mpumalanga Department of Education.
