School tight-lipped over alleged assault
The guardian of a Westridge High School pupil who was allegedly assaulted by a teacher with a lock believes corporal punishment is alive at the school.
THE guardian of a 16-year-old Westridge High School pupil who was allegedly physically assaulted by a teacher three months ago, is still waiting for a response on the matter from the school.
Willie Cordier said he was livid after hearing that his ward had been assaulted by a teacher. “He looks like he is 12. He is not a big boy and to think that this teacher hit him with a lock on his head, kicked and grabbed him by the throat. I am very disappointed with the school, especially as this is a school for learners with special needs and disabilities. It is unacceptable,” said Cordier.
According to Cordier, the alleged assault on his ward took place after a Physical Education class on the school field. A group of pupils were trying to leave the field to get to their next class when the teacher refused to open a gate for them. “It was then that the teacher allegedly hit the boy with the lock from the gate and held him by the neck and kicked him,” he said.
After Cordier, who now resides in Pretoria, was told of the incident he immediately called the school and spoke to the teacher who admitted he had assaulted the teenager. Cordier demanded the matter be followed up and they report back to him.
However, weeks passed and the school refused to report back on the incident or give any reason for the attack on the boy or offer up an apology to either Cordier or his ward.
“I asked to have a meeting and came to Durban to find out what was happening at the school, but again only got justification from the teacher and no remorse. This was a physical attack on a child! I believe that corporal punishment at Westridge High School continues,” he said.
Cordier’s attempts to get closure and a guarantee from the school that such an incident would never occur again were futile and he has since enlisted the assistance of a lawyer.
The school refused to comment on the issue despite numerous attempts by Berea Mail to reach the principal. “We are not prepared to make any comment!” said deputy principal, Mrs Huttingh, who added, the principal would also not like to comment on the incident.
