SEVEN days since Umcabango High pupils were reportedly assaulted by security guards, uThungulu District Education Director David Chonco has broken his silence about the incident, saying an in-depth investigation into the matter is being conducted by the Department of Education.
Teaching has not been disrupted.
‘The affected pupils were given trauma counselling on the day, and further counselling will be carried out where necessary. The school is being monitored by the district,’ Chonco said.
On 17 May the Zululand Observer received reports from Madlankala Reserve youth that Umcabango School Governing Body (SGB) Chairperson, Mr Jiyane, arrived at the school with four security guards, demanding pupils hand over their cell phones.
The security guards reportedly assaulted one of the boys who delayed in handing over his cell phone.
Speaking to the ZO, Jiyane admitted that during his school visit he was accompanied by the Ward 12 councillor, who is also an employee of the uThungulu District Education office.
It is further reported the school principal was aware of their presence at the school, but did nothing to prevent the beatings.
KZN Education Department spokesperson Muzi Mahlambi acknowledged having received a complaint from a relative of the assaulted pupil.
Mahlambi said the department condemns the assault of pupils which, according to the country’s laws, is a criminal offence.
‘It is worse when the person supposed to protect the pupils condones it. As the department we are going to take necessary steps to establish if the SGB chairman is fit to hold this position at the school, after which the law will take its course,’ Mahlambi said.
According to a concerned member of community, the school children are still traumatised, afraid to attend school and some have even tried to look for placings at other schools.
eSikhaleni SAPS spokesperson, Lt T Mkhumane, confirmed a case of assault had been opened and that Jiyane appeared at the eSikhaleni Regional Court on Tuesday.
The case was postponed for further investigation.
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