By Tladi Moloi
A 14-year-old boy went deaf allegedly after being slapped by two male teachers at the Moemedi High School in Bloemfontein, Free State.
It is believed the blows punctured his eardrum, resulting in hearing loss. Following the incident the boy has undergone surgery and medical treatment.
Mother Josephine Gailele said her son was assaulted by two male teachers as punishment after he was falsely accused of sexually assaulting a female student.
The incident happened in mid-September and according to Gailele she is only going public now that the school and the Department of Education have been sending her from pillar to post.
“My son came back from school and told me that he was beaten by the teachers. He said the two teachers summoned him and the two boys to the staff room where they locked them in the room and punched them,” she said.
The mother of the Grade 8 student said the boy, who is now on constant medical treatment, told her that the teachers did not listen to him as he was trying to explain his innocence.
“He said he was standing by the classroom door when the two boys touched the girl’s breasts and her buttocks before they fled. He was near the girl at that moment,” she said.
Gailele said she went to school to approach the principal who told her that she was not aware of the incident and promised to attend to it.
“I approached the teachers first who denied everything before going to the principal. A few weeks later she told me to report the matter to the department, which I did, but nothing has happened until today,” she said.
Scolla.Africa was told that the culprits had confessed and said the boy was not part of the crime.
Gailele said she later went to the nearest police station to open a case against the two teachers.
Lt Col Thabo Covane, the corporate communication and liaison person of the Mangaung Metro, confirmed that a case of assault was opened at Kagisanong Police Station.
“It is alleged that the learner at Moemedi High School was assaulted with open hands by two teachers. The learner was accused of touching another learner inappropriately. No arrests have been made yet. The investigation continues,” he said.
Haward Ndaba, the Free State Department of Education spokesperson, said the department is investigating the matter.
Pictured above: The mother and her son in hospital
Image source: Supplied
