By OBAKENG MAJE
Reivilo- A 47-YEAR-OLD teacher from Tshepang Thuto Primary School in Reivilo is expected to appear at Taung Magistrate’s Court on 30 September 2021 for allegedly assaulting a Grade 7 learner with sjambok.
According to the learner’s parent, Mogomotsi Jacobs, the teacher assaulted Refentse Jacobs (12) on 23 August 2021 after he accused him of stealing a memorandum. Jacobs said she reported the matter to the school, but the North West education department ignored her.
“I was surprised when I bathed my child and saw some bruises on his hand. I asked him what had happened and he said the teacher has beaten him up after accusing him of stealing a memorandum.
“I was confused because even though my son did not attend school that day, he went to his friend and borrowed the memorandum so that he could do his homework. He requested money to go and make copies of the assignment and did his homework as required,” Jacobs said.
She said according to her son, the teacher was surprised to see him handing over homework when he requested it because he thought her son did not do it. Jacobs alleged that then the teacher accused her son of stealing a memorandum and assaulted him.
“My son tried to explain and reason with him that he did not steal anything, however, he was assaulted nonetheless. I launched a complaint with the school, but nothing was done. So, I decided to go to the police station and open an assault case because it is not the first time the teacher accused of beating learners,” said Jacobs.
North West police spokesperson, Col Adele Myburgh said: “We can confirm that a case of assault with the intent to do grievous bodily harm was opened at Reivilo Police Station. A suspect was charged and will appear before court for his first court appearance on Thursday, 30 September 2021.”
Meanwhile, the North West education department spokesperson, Elias Malindi said corporal punishment is against the law and has been prohibited in schools. Malindi further said the matter is under investigation and a disciplinary hearing will be conducted soon.
The Guardian 