Teacher in hot water

FAMILY wants answers after their kid was allegedly beaten up by a teacher.

A family from Nobody, outside Polokwane, Limpopo, wants answers after their kid was allegedly beaten up and kicked by a teacher at Ramathope High School on Wednesday, 5 March.

It's reported the grade 8 pupil was accused of gambling during lessons.

According to the family, the boy returned from school crying and indicated that he was assaulted by a teacher.

His classmates, who had accompanied him home, indicated that the boy wasn't one of the pupils who were gambling.

The boy's gogo said the family is deeply saddened by the incident.

She said they believe the teacher could have resorted to other measures of punishment.

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"He was slapped and kicked while he lied on the ground. It's not nice to see your child come back from school crying and injured. We're not defending him. If he's in the wrong, the teacher should have resorted to other measures of punishment. You can't beat up and kick someone's kid like a punching bag," said the gogo.

The boy was rushed to a nearby clinic for medical attention.

"He's injured, his hand is swollen, and his neck is also painful. We want answers as to why he did this to our kid," said the gogo.

Kgakotlou education circuit manager could not be reached for comment, but responded to Daily Sun's inquiry as follows: "School needs to be a haven for all pupils. This action is unacceptable. I'm still in a meeting with the teacher and principal."

Congress of South African Students deputy convenor Kamogelo Makgoale said corporal punishment is an outdated practice.

"We strongly condemn corporal punishment in schools due to its severe repercussions. This outdated practice not only affects a pupil's academic performance but also their emotional and mental well-being. Teachers could also face disciplinary action, including loss of employment," said Makgoale.