Cape Town - Police and the Department of Social Development are investigating a crèche where a six-year-old boy was allegedly assaulted by a teacher.
The boy told his parents he was pushed against a cupboard, injuring the side of his face which was bleeding.
DSD investigators visited St Francis Educare along Salmon and Kabeljou Streets in Strandfontein on Monday.
The incident allegedly happened on November 23.
The family of Shiloh Joseph, who is in Grade R, says he was banned from attending the crèche concert and graduation ceremony after they began questioning the incident.
Shiloh’s distraught grandfather, Brian Adams, 63, explains: “He said he and another boy were running and the teacher stood in front of him to stop him.
“He said the teacher pushed him and that he fell against the cupboard.
“Shiloh was crying, we understand, and there was blood running from the open wound near his left eye.
“This happened just before nap time and they let him sleep.
“We questioned them because you do not leave a child to sleep after there’s an injury to the head.
“They only notified the family three hours later.”
The next day, Shiloh was told to leave the school: “His teacher asked him why he is still here.
“Then they said he cannot attend his own graduation or be part of the concert.
“What kind of principal does that to an innocent child?”
That’s when they took action.
“We opened a case with police and notified the social development office,” he says.
“We carried out a protest [on Saturday] at the concert to make others aware.”
DSD spokeswoman Esther Lewis confirms an investigation is underway, while police spokesperson, Noloyiso Rwexana, said a case of assault common case was opened.
“No one has been arrested at this stage.”
The crèche refused to comment, saying the matter is being investigated.