Matric duo allegedly refused to go to bed

Hostel manager suspended after CPF members 'beat' pupils

An official at Shongwe boarding school in Mpumalanga has disclosed how a manager called the community policing forum (CPF) to beat two matric pupils who allegedly refused to go to sleep.

The incident, which took place on Tuesday evening, prompted a swift response from the provincial education department and local authorities, with the department confirming that the hostel manger had been suspended. 

The department's spokesperson, Gerald Sambo, said the matter was being investigated.

“The department strongly condemns the assaulting of two learners by some members of the local CPF,” said Sambo.

“It is alleged the male hostel superintendent invited some of the members of the local CPF to whip the pupils. Officials from the labour directorate of the department are conducting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding this incident.”

An employee at the school said the incident was sparked by the pupils' refusal to go to bed.

“The pupils were refusing to go to sleep and were unruly. It was in the evening and there were more pupils involved in the incident. However, only two were beaten up,” he said.   

“As they were refusing to go to sleep, they told security guards that they are done with their exams and did not want to go to bed. The superintendent then called the CPF to come and help with the situation.” .

He said the pupils dispersed and some contacted their parents.

Police spokesperson Brig Donald Mdhluli has urged the pupils to lay criminal charges.

"[The case that can be opened] with us is assault. It can be made assault GBH depending on the injuries. That's why we encourage them to open a case.”

Mdhluli said there was nothing police could do about the CPF members as no case had been opened.

Sambo said though assault is a criminal offence, the decision to lay charges lies with the pupils' parents.

“As a department, we are dealing with the matter internally. The laying of criminal charges lies with the parents and we are not against that since we know the law. The department will also deploy officials from the inclusive education and wellness section to render psychosocial support to the affected learners,” said Sambo.

Mpumalanga education MEC Cathy Dlamini condemned the incident.

“Corporal punishment has long been abolished in South Africa and cannot be tolerated in any of our schools. Inflicting corporal punishment as a form of instilling discipline is a crime and we condemn such actions in the strongest terms possible,” she said.

“Disciplinary proceedings will be instituted on this matter and the hostel superintendent will be placed on suspension with immediate effect while the department continues with its investigation into the matter.”

Dlamini said as part of the investigation, the department will also look into the school’s code of conduct, which should be developed in line with the South African Schools Act “as a tool to promote disciplined and responsible behaviour, coupled with an understanding of and respect for the rights of pupils and staff members at the school”.

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