Three teachers from Mqabo Junior Secondary School in Engcobo, Eastern Cape are facing suspension after they allegedly assaulted a nine-year-old Grade 3 pupil.
The teachers were arrested on Wednesday and charged with assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm after they attacked the pupil they accused of telling others that she had seen two teachers kissing at school.
The three teachers appeared at Ngcobo magistrate's court on Thursday and were granted R500 bail, according to Eastern Cape police spokesperson Brig Tembinkosi Kinana.
Eastern Cape education spokesperson Mali Mtima said the department has taken a decision to suspend the teachers, but that they will only be served with suspension letters after receiving bail.
“The investigation is still under way and we will provide the learner and her family with counselling,” Mtima said.
The pupil's mother said the incident happened on Friday last week.
“She came back home crying, with bruises on her legs and arms. Her face was swollen and I was shocked to see her like that. She said three teachers took turns beating her. At some stage the stick broke but that did not stop them. There was a message for me to go to the school,” she said.
The mother said at the school, she was told that her child had told other pupils that she saw two teachers kissing.
“The teachers did not show any remorse, instead they told me that it was not the first time my child was spreading rumours about teachers. I asked them why they didn't call me instead of injuring my child,” she said.
She said it was only on Wednesday when the teachers called her to apologise for their actions.
“That was already too late as my child refuses to go to school. The beatings also affected her ear as she is forever complaining about it. I am very angry at what they did to her. The law should take its course,” she said.
Zimisele Zenani, the school principal, said he could not comment on the matter as it was already in the hands of the law. Thobeka Mlunguza, a school governing body member, said they were shocked by the incident.
“This is the first time something like this happens in this school. Parents have been angered by this atrocious act from the teachers. Our children have to be protected at school not to fear for their safety,” she said.
