Police have confirmed they are investigating an incident in which a boy, 10, was allegedly beaten with a plastic pipe by his madressa teacher.
The Muslim school is situated at the
Al-Jamia Uthmania Mosque in Jakkalsvlei Avenue in Bonteheuwel, but is run separately.
The family of the boy says on Tuesday he came home with red welts on his wrists, ankles and bum from a hiding by his muallim (madrassa teacher) for farting in class.
The child claims he did not fart, but made a farting sound with his mouth.
His cousin, who is in the same class, confirmed the boy’s version of events.
The boy came home with red welts on his wrists, ankles and bum. Picture supplied
Police spokesperson, Captain FC van Wyk, confirmed: “A charge of assault common was registered for investigation. No one has been arrested as yet and the investigation continues.”
Meanwhile, the Bonteheuwel Muslim Society Trust has instructed the principal of the madressa to remove the teacher.
Public relations officer for the trust, Shahied Khan, confirmed it had a meeting on Thursday. “The teacher in question will not be allowed to teach on the mosque premises until the case has been concluded and the courts have made a decision.
“We will abide by whatever decision is taken by the courts. Unfortunately the Madressa does not fall under the jurisdiction of the trust and we cannot instruct them that the teacher not be allowed to teach anywhere else, as that is a decision that must be taken by them as an institution.
“The teacher will still be able to come for his daily prayers or any other religious programmes that takes place at the mosque,” Khan added.
Staff at the madressa have declined to comment.