CLASSES were dismissed on Monday morning at Somopho Primary School, Macekane, outside Empangeni after teachers staged a protest following a fight involving the principal and a teacher on Friday.
It is reported the principal beat a teacher with his fist, after an argument stemming from the principal taking pictures of the school children he found standing outside a classroom on Friday morning.
Teachers who heard of the photo-taking went to the principal’s office to query the matter.
A confrontation between one teacher and the principal resulted in the former losing two of his lower frontal teeth.
He was then taken to a doctor, later saw a dentist, and is currently seeing a psychologist for counselling.
UThungulu District Education Director David Chonco confirmed the incident.
‘I’m not sure what caused the two teachers to disagree, but the circuit office is investigating.
‘We have requested them to exercise restraint, while the matter is being handled by our labour relations experts,’ Chonco confirmed.
Police spokesperson Captain Mbongeni Mdlalose confirmed an assault case has been opened with Empangeni SAPS, further saying, ‘The matter has been referred to the public prosecutor, for a decision.’
