UPDATE: eSikhaleni teacher in hiding

Police are searching for a teacher who came under fire this week when a video emerged of him brutally assaulting female learners inside a classroom at Umdlamfe High School in eSikhaleni.

The assault itself is said to have occurred at late last month.

Police had reportedly opened a case but was later withdrawn after the teacher apologised to the parents of pupils seen in the video.

Reports indicate that four learners opened cases against the teacher.

Provincial police spokesperson Thulani Zwane said the teacher, who has been suspended by the Department of Education, has gone into hiding.

Yesterday a Select Committee on Education and Recreation welcomed the announcement by the KZN Provincial

Education Department that a letter of suspension has been served on the teacher at Umdlamfe Secondary School.

‘It is worrying to the Committee that there are still teachers that practice corporal punishment, which was abolished more than 20 years ago.

‘Such actions must be condemned and tough actions must be taken against anyone that continues to utilise this method,’ said Ms Lungelwa Zwane, the Chairperson of the Committee.

‘Similarly, acts of violence against teachers must be investigated to ensure that teachers are able to teach in an optimal environment.

‘The issue of violence in general in our schools needs urgent attention from all stakeholders.

‘The National Department of Basic Education must lead a process of intervention to resolve this crisis.’

The Committee said it will monitor the implementation of disciplinary processes against the teacher.

Since then, a number of videos of teachers using corporal punishment in their classrooms, have surfaced online.

The KZN Department of Education confirmed it would be investigating each incident.

ALSO READ: Schoolgirl beaten up by boy 

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