Johannesburg - An employee at a Soweto school has been suspended after she was recorded assaulting a disabled pupil, the Gauteng Department of Education said on Monday.
The incident reportedly took place last week Wednesday while pupils of Adelaide Tambo School were on a bus.
In the video footage that has emerged, the woman, believed to be a food server, is seen punching the pupil repeatedly while the child sits crouched.
The bus driver then intervenes and manages to get the staff member away from the pupil.
The driver, together with another pupil, then forcefully remove the child from the bus, leaving him lying outside.
According to EWN, when the mother reported the matter to the school, she said authorities treated the incident casually.
Spokesperson for the Gauteng Department of Education Steve Mabona has since confirmed the incident and the suspension of the staff member.
"A criminal case has been opened at a police station and the woman was arrested and appeared in court. She's currently out on bail.
"The driver seen in the footage will also be charged and necessary disciplinary process will be taken against him."
Mabona also confirmed the intention to suspend the driver, saying the process was currently being finalised.
He added that the department was disappointed by the incident, especially since it involved children who needed special care.
"These are learners with disabilities... we will not tolerate any ill-treatment of our pupils by officials," he said.