SCHOOL OF HARD KNOCKS!
Matsheng JSS headmaster charged with assaulting deputy
A BUST-UP between a school head and his deputy could have far reaching consequences that make detention look like a walk in the park.
Matsheng JSS headmaster, Patrick Tlhomelang, has been charged with assault common after the 62-year-old educator allegedly attacked his deputy, Tshotlo Molome, on 25th November.
It is an offence that carries a possible 12-month prison sentence.
Although neither Tlhomelang nor Molome would comment on the matter when contacted by The Voice, a staff member claimed the incident was reminiscent of scenes out of a kung-fu movie.
“The school head was asking for some money and, when his deputy refused, he assaulted her. He kicked her around, removed her wig and further hit her with his walking stick until others intervened,” disclosed the source, adding the assault played out on the school premises before numerous eye-witnesses.
The day after the drama, a damning letter was sent from ‘Matsheng JSS staff’ to the Director of Regional Operations in Kweneng demanding Tlhomelang be replaced as school head.
In the letter, the staff say they were left ‘traumatised’ by the episode.
Outlining further grievances against Tlhomelang, the staff accused him of continually smoking on the school premises despite several attempts to get him to stop. They also claimed parents had long complained of his drinking habits in the village.
The letter, which bears the school’s official stamp, further labelled Tlhomelang a ‘nuisance’ and a ‘dictator’ who is regularly absent from duty with no explanation.
“A dark cloud has befallen the school. Sorrow, grief and desolation have engulfed the young and vibrant staff that envisions a productive and safe working environment. He is a sore in the village, as parents are complaining about his drinking habits and absenteeism, which have led to continued low academic performance in the school,” reads part of the letter.
On the recent altercation with his deputy, the staff claim this is not the first time Tlhomelang has resorted to violence.
“This has instilled fear within us. Note that this is not the first incident as he once assaulted two staff members.”
The staff conclude that Tlhomelang has left them ‘ demoralized, demotivated, divided and hopeless’ and thus they ‘demand’ a new school head by January 2021.
Meanwhile, Kweneng Education Regional Head, Steven Botlhasitse, confirmed his office had received the letter of complaint.
“We received the letter. As the office responsible for education, we have to follow procedure channels of communications. It is being investigated,” he told The Voice.
“I cannot deny the fact that there was assault between the head master and his deputy. It is a police case and we can’t comment much on it since it is under investigation,” continued Botlhasitse.
Confirming that criminal charges had been laid against the underfire school head, Sojwe Station Commander, Ketsiso Lemogang, revealed the case would soon be registered before the Molepolole Magistrates’ Court.
“Our investigations are complete and we have charged him with assault common. He said he was acting in self-defence but, according to the law, any gesture that is threatening another is a criminal offence, hence he was charged,” explained the top cop.