The department is investigating the alleged assault of a learner, 18, by a member of staff at Thiboloha School for the Deaf and Blind in Phuthaditjhaba. The matter has been referred for both an internal investigation and a criminal investigation to the police.

The incident allegedly occurred on Tuesday (2/6) afternoon and involved a member of staff. The school has confirmed that two house parents on duty and a teacher witnessed the alleged assault, and the learner received an immediate medical evaluation at the school clinic.

The matter was formally referred to the labour relations division for investigation through the circuit manager's office on Thursday (4/6). All witness statements from the two house parents and the teacher were collected and documented, and the school clinic’s medical assessment was secured to form part of the investigation.

“We can confirm a criminal case has been opened with the police, and both the school and the department will cooperate fully with the investigation,” said Free State education spokesperson Howard Ndaba.

“Psychosocial support was activated immediately, and a professional counselling team will be deployed to Thiboloha School to provide trauma counselling and ongoing support to the affected learner upon her return to school.”

“The department reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of all learners, especially learners with special needs. We urge anyone with information to come forward and cooperate fully with the investigation.”

Free State education MEC, Dr MJ Maboya, strongly condemned the incident: “Let this serve as a clear warning: the Free State department of education has zero tolerance for any form of violence or abuse in our schools.

“We will leave no stone unturned. A full investigation is underway, and decisive action will be taken against anyone found responsible.”

In May, a teacher, 56, at Pulamadiboho Primary School in Harrismith was arrested after allegedly administering corporal punishment to a Grade 3 learner, 8. The teacher, who was charged with common assault, appeared in the Harrismith Magistrate's Court following her arrest.

The Free State department of education said it remains committed to ensuring that schools are safe, nurturing environments where all learners are protected from harm, particularly those with special educational needs.

OFM News/Zenande Mpame dg

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