Teacher arrested for alleged corporal punishment at Zeekoevlei Primary

A teacher at Zeekoevlei Primary School in Lotus River was arrested and charged with assaulting a Grade 3 pupil, sparking outrage and concern over the safety of pupils in local schools.

The teacher appeared in the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday and is also facing an internal labour investigation; the case was postponed to Friday, March 27, for further investigation.

It is alleged that the assault charge involves corporal punishment, with the teacher having a previous "sterling" record.

The teacher, who cannot be identified, appeared at the Wynberg Magistrate's Court on Tuesday, January 27.

Police spokesperson, Sergeant Wesley Twigg, confirmed the arrest of the 60-year-old woman. 

Bronagh Hammond, the director of communications for WCED, said the court hearing and arrest are a separate criminal matter, distinct from the internal labour investigation.

"We wish to emphasise that the educator has not been found guilty in either process. Both the labour investigation and the criminal proceedings are still in their early stages, and outcomes are yet to be determined," said Ms Hammond.

The outcome of the WCED internal investigation will determine if there are grounds to charge the educator and take further disciplinary action, she said.

"If charged, and found guilty, sanctions could involve dismissal, or alternatively a written warning – depending on the evidence brought forward," she said.

When asked if there have been no previous complaints of corporal punishment, abuse, or assault against this teacher, said Ms Hammond.

"The WCED views allegations of corporal punishment 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 as: “Any deliberate act against a child that inflicts pain or physical discomfort used to punish or contain him/her. This includes, but is not limited to, spanking, slapping, pinching, paddling, or hitting a child with a hand or with an object.”

"The educator is on a leave of absence," said Ms Hammond.  

Vanessa le Roux, founder of Parents for Equal Education (Peesa), said they were appalled by the incident: “We have a major issue at Zeekoevlei Primary. We are sitting with a teacher who is abusing our kids in the school. This is a future generation, and we will not stand for this oppression,” she added.

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