MBOMBELA – This was announced by the MEC for education, Ms Reginah Mhaule, on Monday after the family of 14-year-old Siphamandla Choma from Manyano Primary School in Middelburg, through their lawyer, lodged the lawsuit against the department.
Read: Disruption of teaching and learning at Mpakeni Primary
The alleged assault on the learner ended up in him being confined to a wheelchair.
Mhaule, in the light of this legal action against the department, has strongly cautioned educators against practicing corporal punishment.
The boy’s condition is said to be deteriorating and he has been transferred from eMalahleni General to Middelburg Hospital. “I wish to state that due processes will commence, so that a platform is created for the principal to answer,” she said.
Read: Principals accused of corporal punishment
The head of the department, Ms Mahlasedi Mhlabane, said it would defend the lawsuit, but in case the court’s decision compelled the department to pay, they will recover the amount from the principal’s pension fund.
Also Read: Pupils speak out about treatment
“As a department, we don’t have that amount. Officials should know that if they commit such acts, we will recover the money from their pensions,” she said.
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