Teacher involved in alleged classroom fight suspended
A TEACHER at Du Toitspan Primary School in Kimberley has been placed on precautionary suspension by the Northern Cape Department of Education following an incident where he allegedly forced two pupils to fight in front of an entire class.
The mother of one of the two pupils involved in the alleged incident has opened a case with the police against the teacher, who allegedly told the two Grade 6 pupils to come to the front of the class and fight each other.
He apparently also told them that this is how problems were solved.
Both boys were injured during the fight, which took place during the second last period on Monday.
The mother has called for the immediate dismissal of the teacher, saying it was totally unacceptable behaviour from a person that should be concerned about the wellbeing of children.
“Children are supposed to be safe in their school environment and not be taught that violence is
issued with letters of misconduct and were requested to report to school with their parents to discuss this matter.”
Van der Merwe stated that the school governing body was notified of the incident and was requested to act swiftly with the necessary disciplinary action. “Education is a basic right and the department will not allow any pupil to deprive another of this right.” the solution to problems. For a teacher to incite violence between primary school pupils is not only unacceptable but also totally unethical,” she stated.
Department of Education spokesperson, Geoffrey van der Merwe, yesterday confirmed that the teacher had been placed on precautionary suspension, pending the outcome of an investigation into the alleged incident.
“The teacher is a SGB appointment, and thus we are providing them with all the necessary support to finalise the investigation. As part of our support, social workers are at the school, providing counselling to pupils who were directly and indirectly affected,” Van der Merwe said yesterday.
With regards to the situation in Windsorton, Van der Merwe indicated that counselling sessions as well as community and staff meetings were convened after the department was made aware of the incident that took place last year.
“We condemn any incident relating to corporal punishment in the strongest terms. Corporal punishment was outlawed in terms of education and school policies.
“As a matter of emphasis, the department issued a circular to all schools to once again remind them to refrain from these unlawful practices. Teachers who are found guilty will be suspended immediately.”
However, Van der Merwe pointed out that the department has received no formal complaint from any parent or pupil in Windsorton.