Coding and Robotics will become a permanent fixture on the school calendar in 2023 – Photo: Adobe Stock
Mpumalanga teacher suspended after assault video emerges
A 34-year-old teacher in Mpumalanga was caught on video assaulting a woman believed to be the mother of his child.
Coding and Robotics will become a permanent fixture on the school calendar in 2023 – Photo: Adobe Stock
A Mpumalanga teacher, who was caught on video allegedly assaulting a woman has been suspended by the province’s education department.
The footage, depicting the man, brutally assaulting one woman with what appears to be a pole then kicking her, while another tries to stop the altercation.
Teacher embroiled in assault case
The victim is believed to be the mother of the 34-year-old man’s child.
The incident is said to have occurred at KwaMhlanga on Thursday, and the alleged perp was arrested on the day.
“This 34-year-old teacher is alleged to have assaulted his baby mother on Thursday. A case of assault [and] grievous bodily harm (GBH) was opened and [he] was arrested the same day,” South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesperson, Brigadier Leonard Hlathi confirmed the incident.
Brigadier Leonard Hlathi
Condemnation for gender-based violence
The man has received widespread condemnation for his action and, on the weekend, the Mpumalanga Department of Education confirmed that he had been suspended from his duties.
“The department is of the view that a person who displays such bad conduct is not fit to stand in front of children to teach hence the instruction to suspend him while awaiting the SA Police Service to investigate his case,” the department said in a statement.
Mpumalanga Department of Education
Education MEC Bonakele Majuba said the teacher’s conduct was especially bad at a period where there have been numerous reports involving violence against women and children.
“The president of the country has stated categorically that all South Africans need to join hands to fight the scourge of gender-based violence which is raising its ugly head in our beloved nation,” he said.
“Ordinarily teachers are leaders of society and are expected to teach our communities about the negative impact of violence and gender-based violence in particular and lead by example in this national agenda at all times.
“To suggest that we are disappointed by the conduct of this teacher will be an understatement as we are really appalled by this behaviour.”
Bonakele Majuba, Mpumalanga education MEC
The man appeared at KwaMhlanga Magistrate’s Court on Friday 3 July and was released on R1 000 bail.
