GQEBERHA – A primary school principal is facing an investigation following allegations that he slapped a Grade 6 learner at Elundini Primary School in Motherwell.

A formal complaint was submitted to the Department of Education district office on 16 October by the mother of the child.

According to the complaint written by the parent: “According to my account of the incident, the principal slapped my child four times with an open hand and grabbed him.”

She said the incident has left her child frightened and shocked. “My child has mild asthma, which adds to my concern for his safety and well-being.”

The mother provided a detailed account of the alleged incident as she was told by her child: “It was after break, the learners were coming from break and the child was closing the door, then the principal entered and asked who was looking outside and the learners said it was my child. He shouted, grabbed and slapped him.”

The mother said she went to the school on 19 October to follow up on the issue and there was a meeting held between the School Governing Body (SGB) and the Department of Education.

“I waited at the school and I was told that there was a meeting, my child was then called into the meeting, and they made him write a statement without my consent.”

The Eastern Cape Department of Education has confirmed that the matter is currently under investigation.

Speaking to PE Express, the provincial spokesperson, Malibongwe Mtima, said the investigation team is handling the case and that labour relations officials are involved.

“We seek to investigate the matter first and the investigation will give us recommendations and necessary steps to deal with the matter. We are waiting for the report and recommendation from the investigation team.”

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