Parents seek action over Glenvista attack

Screen grab of the Glenvista High School pupil attacking a teacher with a broom.

Screen grab of the Glenvista High School pupil attacking a teacher with a broom.

Published Oct 3, 2013

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Johannesburg - Hundreds of parents gathered at Glenvista High School on Wednesday night to find out what action would be taken against a pupil who attacked a teacher with a broom a few weeks ago.

The grade 8 pupil, who is on suspension, assaulted the teacher while another pupil recorded the incident on his cellphone.

In the background, the pupils can be heard laughing and encouraging the boy to continue the attack.

At some point, after throwing the broom at the teacher, the pupil recording the footage picks it up and instructs that it be given back to the attacker.

The teacher has laid charges against the pupil, who is due to appear in court soon.

Tempers flared during the meeting, with some parents challenging Michael Atti, the chairman of the school governing body.

“Why was the boy who took a video using his cellphone charged for bringing the school into disrepute? Maybe I’m being black and I don’t understand. Do you mean the whistle-blower was wrong to take the video?” asked an angry parent.

Atti said the school did not allow the use of cellphones on its premises. Thirteen other pupils are also going to be suspended soon – once they have been served with the charge sheets – and their parents have been informed.

There were mixed feelings about what should happen to the pupil who attacked the teacher. Some parents felt he should be given a second chance, while others felt he should be expelled.

An official from the Department of Education’s district office, who wanted to be identified only as Mrs Makhubela, told the parents that “we need to follow due processes”.

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The Star

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