DUMISANE LUBISI reports
A NORTHERN Province teacher who allegedly caned a 10-year-old boy so severely that he could not go to school for two weeks will be disciplined.
Evans Folowela Makete, 34, a teacher at Motupakgomo Primary School in Bolobedu near Tzaneen, is also facing a criminal charge of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm. He alleged beat grade 4 pupil John Mhlongo on February 10 for failing a maths test.
Police allege Makete caned all pupils who failed, boys and girls, but do not yet have full details of the incident.
On Wednesday Bolobedu education spokesman Lucas Thobakgale said an internal investigation would be held. “I have sent a report on the incident to the regional education office in Tzaneen for a decision,” he said.
It is alleged Mhlongo, had to receive medical treatment for an open wound on his buttocks after the teacher caned him. Investigating officer Sergeant Piet Rasakanya, of the Tzaneen child protection unit, confirmed the allegation that Makete caned everyone who failed the test.
Corporal punishment is illegal, and last week Makete was released on warning by the Bolobedu Magistrate’s Court until March 31.
— African Eye News Service, February 3, 2000.