HARRISMITH – The Free State Department of Education has confirmed an investigation into allegations of a female teacher’s involvement in administering corporal punishment to a Grade 3 learner at the Pulamadiboho Primary School in Intabazwe, Harrismith. This followed her arrest regarding the incident, which reportedly took place at the school in the Thabo Mofutsanyana District in the eastern Free State.
It is reported she was arrested on Wednesday, 13 May, three days after the incident had occurred.
WO Mmako Mophiring, spokesperson for police in the district, confirmed a case was opened at a local police station but would not comment further on the case, which has been fraught with controversy.
Howard Ndaba, provincial spokesperson for the department, said the department’s own investigation into the incident seeks to determine appropriate action. “This includes the possibility of instituting internal disciplinary proceedings in line with departmental policy and the Employment of Educators Act. Support has been mobilised for the learner, who will receive psychosocial support to address any trauma arising from the incident,” he said, adding that the department has condemned the incident.
However, Ndaba stated the department will also not comment further, citing that the details of the case are sub judice. “The department will not comment further to avoid prejudicing due process as the matter is under investigation and before the courts,” he said.
“The department condemns all forms of violence against learners, including corporal punishment, which remains unlawful in South African schools. We reaffirm our commitment to maintaining safe and nurturing learning environments for every child. We call on community members to remain calm and allow the legal process to take its course. The teacher is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of law,” said Ndaba.
He warned the public against circulating videos depicting the teacher being escorted by police during her arrest. “Sharing such material risks prejudicing the legal process and may inflame tensions within the community,” said Ndaba.
