A learner at Madubatse Secondary School in Ga-Kgapane was arrested yesterday (Wednesday) after allegedly assaulting a female educator and pouring water over her.
The Department of Education has responded with shock and disappointment at the alleged humiliation suffered by the educator. While the department awaits a detailed report on the incident initial information from the school indicated that the alleged incident happened after the educator had confiscated a cell phone from the 18-year-old learner.
Departmental spokesperson Sam Makondo reportedly said possession of a cell phone by any learner is contrary to the school rules. The learner reportedly fled the premises while colleagues of the alleged victim supported her. The learner was later arrested by the police, according to Makondo. He further let know that the learner was expected to appear in the Bolebedu Magistrate’s Court today (Thursday) and would on his return face the school disciplinary processes.
Education MEC Ishmael Kgetjepe reportedly condemned the incident and described it as a sheer disrespect and ill-discipline shown by the learner. “This kind of ill-discipline and criminality cannot be tolerated. Nobody in their right frame of mind does that to another human being, let alone an educator who is there to guide learners on the right path to academic prosperity and a brighter future. It is totally unacceptable and none of our educators should suffer this kind of humiliation in the hands of learners,” he was quoted to have said.
He stressed that schools must be places where discipline reigns supreme and where educators must be respected by learners as they discharge their duties without any fear. Kgetjepe was adamant that they cannot tolerate ill-disciplined learners in schools who have no regard for the dignity of educators who are there to nurture them into responsible citizens.
It was learnt that the incident has left the educator traumatised and counselling was arranged for her and all who were affected by incident.
Story: ENDY SENYATSI
>>endy@observer.co.za
