MAPHUTHA Raseyemela was always looking forward to going to school every morning so he could pave a better future for himself.
The 19-year-old from Medingen Village in Kgapane outside Bolobedu, Limpopo now fears going to school and is even thinking of dropping out.
This is because the grade 11 pupil of Magoletsa High School was allegedly assaulted by his teacher on 6 April after he went home during lunch break and came back late.
Maphutha said he was taken to one of the staffrooms along with other pupils.
“I knew we were in trouble when the teacher took off his tie and watch. He severely assaulted me and let the other pupils go. I had black eyes on my face and bled through my nose. My face is still painful and I sometimes suffer severe headache,” he said.
He claimed the teacher tried to bribe him with R200 so he did not report him. He said some residents intervened and he was then taken to hospital on Tuesday, 13 April for treatment.
“I am still traumatised and I’m afraid of going back to school because I don’t know what he will do to me if I make a mistake,” he said.
Maphutha together with his mom, Betty (46), opened a case on Wednesday, 14 April. She said what happened to her son was unacceptable.
“Corporal punishment was banned a long time ago. The teacher must be removed from the school because he treats our kids as his punching bags. My child cannot fear going to school because of him,” she said.
Limpopo Education spokeswoman Tidimalo Chuene said the incident was unfortunate and condemned.
“The department is conducting investigations that are to be followed by disciplinary processes. The HOD will then take a decision based on the findings and the recommendations. The teacher is currently on leave,” Chuene said.
Police spokesman Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo said they are investigating a case of common assault.
“The suspect was charged on Thursday, 15 April and released on warning. He will appear in the the Bolobedu Magistrates Court on 29 April pending outstanding statements,” saidMojapelo.
