Teacher’s trauma after being punched by pupil

A CHATSWORTH high school teacher was admitted to hospital recently when she was allegedly punched by a pupil while trying to separate a fight.

The teacher said she pulled the pupil away from the fight, but the pupil turned on her, allegedly punching her.

Last Thursday, the teacher was told about a fight outside one of the classrooms. She went to investigate and was punched.

According to a statement she prepared, the teacher said she managed to pull away one of the pupils involved in the fight and took him around the corner, where another fight was in progress.

“While one of the teachers stopped the other fight, the pupil I had pulled away turned to me and punched me and pushed me down.”

She said another pupil tried to help her, but then she saw another teacher being sandwiched by two fighting pupils.

“I got up and managed to pull away another pupil from that fight. I then felt weak and one of the pupils helped me to get to the ladies toilet.”

Thirona Moodley, the National Professional Teachers’ Organisation of SA spokesperson, said they were shocked at the violence at public schools.

“Education stakeholders need to have serious discussions about this,” said Moodley.

Education spokesperson Kwazi Mthethwa said they condemned violent acts.