Two teachers who were arrested for allegedly forcing a 12-year-old pupil to drink his own urine have been suspended by the KwaZulu-Natal education department.
Spokesperson Christi Naude said on Tuesday evening that Philile Mpanza and Willem Kriel had been suspended ”with immediate effect” pending the outcome of an investigation.
She said: ”If this is true, we are absolutely horrified.”
It is alleged that Mpanza last week refused the boy permission to go to the toilet and allegedly ordered him to relieve himself in front of the class. Another teacher, Willem Kriel, allegedly forced the pupil to drink the urine. The boy was also allegedly assaulted.
Police spokesperson Tienkie van Vuuren said both teachers were granted bail of R200 each by the Ubombo Magistrate’s Court in rural northern KwaZulu-Natal last Friday. They will appear again in court early next month. – Sapa