Bhisho teacher suspended over punished pupil’s hospitalisation

A BHISHO Primary school teacher whose methods of discipline allegedly landed an 11-year-old child in hospital has been issued with a notice of suspension by the department of education.

And the family of the little girl yesterday said they were going ahead with their plans to lay criminal charges against the teacher.

The child spent four days in hospital, where she was treated for severe muscular pain in the upper body after the teacher allegedly made her squat for several minutes, holding a heavy bag over her head as a form of punishment for talking in class.

Provincial education spokesman Malibongwe Mtima said: “Based on the evidence collected so far, we believe that it is best to suspend the teacher so that she does not interfere with the investigations.”

It is alleged the Grade 6 teacher used strenuous exercises as a form of punishment for the pupils who had not done their homework or were caught talking in class.

These allegedly included pushups using their fists, squatting with their hands stretched out and planking and kneeling on the floor with their hands above their heads.

One of the postures, which she allegedly called “the scooter”, apparently involved pupils having to act as if they were driving a scooter, with their arms held out, their backs bent, while standing on the balls of their feet, heels off the ground.

The alleged punishment of the 11year-old pupil, who lives with her grandparents just a stone’s throw away from the school, took place on October 20.

She was rushed to Bhisho Hospital on October 22, after her arms became swollen and she complained of severe pain in her upper body.

Doctors found evidence of muscular pain secondary to strenuous activity, possibly inflicted by corporal punishment.

The child suffered tender muscles on both arms, tenderness of shoulder joints, and decreased range of motion in both shoulders due to the tenderness and pain.

Doctors said she needed to physiotherapy.

The pupil’s father said yesterday he was glad action was being taken, adding that the family are planning to lay criminal charges against the teacher. undergo