Local school suspends Grade Nine learner for assault
The City Times contacted the Department of Education for comment, but none had been received at the time of publication.
A case of assault was opened at the Benoni Police Station on June 12 after a Grade Eight learner was assaulted by a Grade Nine learner the previous day.
According to HOD of disciplinary at the Benoni school, the Grade Nine learner (*James) will be placed on suspension for five days when the third term begins.
ALSO READ:
Red Cross celebrates Child Protection Week
A video that went viral in the school on June 11 showed the learner wearing civilian clothing (civies) punching the Grade Eight learner (*Mike).
“My grandson finished his exam and was waiting for me to pick him up from school,” said the grandmother of Mike.
“When I got to school his face was bruised from being punched.”
The grandmother went to the front office to report the incident, where she spoke to the HOD.
According to Mike, a misunderstanding caused the falling out between the two.
The HOD said he called James in for questioning, but made him wait in another office while he took the statement of the learner who was assaulted.
He then explained after the exam had ended, James went home and changed into his civilian clothes before returning to the school premises where he assaulted Mike.
After taking statements from both learners, the HOD took a further four statements from witnesses.
“We do not condone this behaviour,” he said.
“There is an internal investigation that happens and a process we follow when such incidents happen.”
The steps followed by the school are:
• Suspend the learner.
• Hold a disciplinary hearing.
• Provide recommendations.
He further said the disciplinary hearing will take place on July 16 after the learner’s suspension is completed.
“Only the Grade Nine learner was suspended because the Grade Eight learner did not hit back,” he added.
Mike was referred to Netcare Linmed Hospital after his grandmother visited the Benoni Police Station on June 11.
“The hospital gave him pain medication and kept the letter in case something happens to him later,” the grandmother said.
“We have asked that he be transferred because this is not the first time someone in the school hurt him.”
According to the grandmother, someone threw rocks and then a brick at Mike on the last day of the first term.
She added the incident was reported to a teacher, but the HOD said no case was brought to his attention from any of the teachers.
After the parents of Mike spoke to the principal and the HOD on June 12, they opened the case at the police station.
Despite the Rynfield family wanting a transfer for their 13-year-old, the HOD said the school will continue with the investigation to prevent incidents like this from happening again.
*Not their real names.
Follow us on these platforms:
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp: 079 431 1217
Instagram: benonicitytimes.co.za
For more #hyperlocal news at your fingertips, visit Boksburg Advertiser, Springs Advertiser, Brakpan Herald, African Reporter and Kathorus Mail
