Western Cape Education Department reports 120 allegations of assault against teachers
A teacher faces allegations of corporal punishment following a reported incident involving a Grade 7 learner in the Western Cape.
Image: file
The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) recorded 120 disciplinary cases involving allegations of assault against teachers over the past year, with the latest claim that a teacher smacked a learner three times on the back of his head.
The cases have highlighted the concerns of corporal punishment.
In the latest claim, the West End Primary School teacher in Mitchells Plain, who cannot be identified, was arrested and charged last month after allegations surfaced of corporal punishment involving a Grade 7 learner in February.
The teacher has since denied the allegations when speaking with the Cape Argus, and is unable to discuss the merits of the case as the matter is before court.
“I had to go to the police station to give statements and take fingerprints.
“The above matter will be communicated with the Western Cape Department and South African Democratic Teachers' Union (SADTU). I did not smack the child. I pushed him on the head."
The case follows the arrest and charge of a 60 year old teacher at Zeekoevlei Primary School for the alleged assault of a Grade 4 learner.
It is understood the assault charge involves alleged corporal punishment, in that the teacher hit a 10 year old child with a duster.
The school's Student Governing Body (SGB) said it would provide the latest update on the matter.
Bronagh Hammond, WCED spokesperson, confirmed their office was aware of the latest case.
“During the 2025/26 financial year, 120 disciplinary cases were initiated involving allegations of assault against educators,” Hammond said.
“We can confirm that the allegation was reported to our Directorate: Employee Relations and is being investigated.
"The outcome of the WCED internal investigation will determine if there are grounds to charge the educator and further disciplinary action.
"The WCED views allegations of corporal punishment or assault 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.
"This includes, but is not limited to, spanking, slapping, pinching, paddling, or hitting a child with a hand or with an object."
Police spokesperson, Thembakazi Mpendukana, confirmed the teacher’s arrest.
“This office confirms that Lentegeur registered an assault case following an incident that occurred on school premises at Mitchells Plain; an adult suspect was arrested for assault."
The teacher has since made an appearance in the Mitchells Plain Magistrate's Court.
Riedwaan Ahmed, provincial chief executive officer for the National Professional Teachers’ Organisation of South Africa (NAPTOSA), called on teachers to find alternatives when it came to corporal punishment.
“NAPTOSA is alarmed at the increase of assault matters referred against educators, and it is an indication that our current collaborative efforts with labour and the department of education are not having the desired impact,” he said.
“NAPTOSA frequently conducts workshops and information sessions on this topic, where educator personnel are encouraged to find alternatives to corporal punishment (defined as assault in terms of section 10 of the South African Schools Act), the role of the Western Cape Education Department, and SACE."
Corporal punishment was abolished in 1996.