Corporal punishment allegations lead to teacher's arrest at Zeekoevlei Primary

A Zeekoevlei Primary School teacher has been arrested and charged with the assault of a Grade 4 learner and is facing a separate internal labour investigation.

It is understood that the assault charge involves alleged corporal punishment, with the teacher having a previous sterling record.

The teacher, who cannot be identified, made an appearance at the Wynberg Magistrates Court yesterday.

Police spokesperson, Sergeant Wesley Twigg, confirmed her arrest: “Be advised that a 60-year-old female was arrested on Wednesday, January 21, for assault and was warned to appear in the Wynberg Magistrates’ Court on January 27.”

Bronagh Hammond, the Director of Communications for WCED, said she wants to emphasise that the teacher was not found guilty of the alleged crime and that processes needed to be followed.

“The alleged assault incident involving a Grade 4 teacher is currently under investigation by the Labour Relations sub-directorate.

"At this stage, we are unable to provide further details, as the matter forms part of an active internal process,” she said. The court hearing taking place today is a separate criminal matter, distinct from the internal labour investigation.

“We wish to emphasise that the educator has not been found guilty in either case. Both the labour investigation and the criminal proceedings are still in their early stages, and outcomes are yet to be determined.”

Hammond explained that the outcome of the WCED internal investigation will determine if there are grounds to charge the educator and further disciplinary action.

“There have been no previous complaints of corporal punishment, abuse, or assault against this educator. The WCED views allegations of corporal punishment in a very serious light, and we urge anyone with knowledge of such transgressions to report it. Corporal punishment is defined in the Abuse No More protocol as: “Any deliberate act against a child that inflicts pain or physical discomfort used to punish or contain him/her.

"This includes, but is not limited to, spanking, slapping, pinching, paddling, or hitting a child with a hand or with an object.”

Vanessa le Roux, founder of Parents for Equal Education (Peesa), said they were appalled by the incident: “We have a major issue at Zeekoevlei Primary. We are sitting with a teacher that is abusing our kids in the school. This is a future generation, and we will not stand for this oppression,” she added.

The school made headlines recently after 76 children were in a class and the matter has since been resolved.

Get your news on the go, click here to join the Cape Argus News WhatsApp channel.

Cape Argus