Teacher arrested for assaulting pupils

KEETMANSHOOP – A Gibeon-based teacher was arrested last week for allegedly assaulting five female pupils inside the school’s hostel premises.

The male teacher, whose name cannot be revealed until his appearance in court, was later released pending investigations into the alleged incident. Hardap regional deputy education director Asumptha Kaoseb confirmed parents of the minor girls opened a case against the teacher of Cornelius //Oaseb Senior Secondary School following the broomstick assault.

“The victims visited our offices, presenting injuries allegedly inflicted by the teacher, whereby some of the parents opened cases of assault with the police in Gibeon against the suspect,” she said.

The incident reportedly took place on 19 October. According to Kaoseb, an investigation officer has been assigned by the regional education directorate to look into the matter and make recommendations to the school’s management. A decision was also made to remove the teacher from the school premises.

“He is still employed at the school pending the outcome of investigations, which will allow the regional education management team to decide on what measures to be implemented on the way forward,” Kaoseb added. Crime investigations coordinator for Hardap Deputy Commissioner Eric Clay also confirmed a case was opened against the teacher. He added the assaulted girls’ ages range between 14 and 17.

“The State prosecutor, however, advised police investigators to release the suspect pending investigations,” he said. Clay explained evidence, such as medical reports, witness statements and photos from the injuries, first needs to be obtained – and based on the outcome of police investigations, the suspect can then be summoned to appear before a court of law to answer to the charges.