News
Teacher burns student for ‘stealing chickens’
A case of attempted murder has been opened against a 59-year-old teacher at the Glen Grey police station on Tuesday.
ECDoE Spokesperson Mali Mtima said the 59-year-old teacher and the learner (17) had a dispute about stolen chickens and the educator made the fire and instructed the learner to jump into the fire as a punishment.i.
The pupil’s sister said the teacher and the pupil had previously argued after he and his friends allegedly stole three of the teacher’s chickens. But the family had believed the conflict was over.
She said her brother had alleged that the teacher had held him at gunpoint, poured fuel on him and demanded that he step into a fire he had lit. She said she had been called by her brother’s friends, who told her he was badly burnt.
“We want justice for my brother,” she said.
MEC Fundile Gade said the matter will be investigated utilising the provisions of the code of conduct of educator as enriched in the Employment of Educators Act, and SACE code of professional of ethics.
“This incident is shocking and horrifying especially in the context of one of our own who was expected to ensure child protection. We call for a speedy investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. We are relieved that the police have moved swiftly to make an arrest so the matter can proceed,” said Gade.
Provincial police spokesperson Colonel Priscilla Naidu confirmed a case of attempted murder had been opened against the teacher at the Glen Grey police station. The teacher is expected to appear before court on Friday.
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