Pupil ‘abuser’ suspended

The Gauteng department of education (GDE) yesterday condemned the assault of a pupil at the Adelaide Tambo School for the disabled in Soweto, allegedly at the hands of a food handler.

Another pupil captured the incident when the 16-year-old was assaulted on the bus before she was taken out and left on the side of the road.

GDE spokesperson Steve Mabona, pictured, said the food handler was suspended and out on bail after a criminal case was opened.

“We are not going to tolerate any ill treatment of our pupils by officials.”

The department said the school had not reported the incident to the district office and as a result, the department only learnt about it when the video emerged.

“Officials from the Inclusion and Special Schools went to the school this morning to investigate. Officials from labour relations have also launched an investigation surrounding the circumstances of the incident so that disciplinary measures can be initiated,” the GDE said.

“The parent of the pupil was alerted about the incident on September 13, after the school failed to inform her. She opened a case on the same day and the food handler was arrested. She was later released on bail pending the police investigations.”

The department said the bus driver had also been suspended yesterday.

Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi said: “Extra care must be afforded to pupils with disabilities. It is shocking to see the escalating incidents of assault taking place in our schools.” – ANA