Alex Matlala

Alex Matlala

The three teachers alleged to have assaulted and kicked a 15-year-old Grade 9 pupil in her genitals at Kgapane High School near Modjadjiskloof have been suspended.

The teachers - Mohale Mopai, 53, Kingscorn Maepa, 28, and Josies Lediga, 40 - were suspended yesterday with full pay.

They allegedly ganged up on the pupil in the staff room, assaulted her and kicked her in her genitals, resulting in her bleeding profuse bleeding.

This was allegedly after the girl was unable to read properly in class.

The suspension comes soon after Sowetan exposed the incident last week.

Limpopo education department spokesman Ndo Mangala yesterday confirmed the suspension and said the move was an effort to pave the way for investigations to take place.

Mangala said if the allegations levelled against the teachers were found to be true, the department would charge them with misconduct.

He said corporal punishment had been outlawed at schools, and that teachers who resorted to it were contravening the law.

Sowetan also learnt that the pupil was admitted in Kgapane Hospital yesterday because of her continuous bleeding.

Spokesman for the Limpopo department of health Phuti Seloba confirmed that the pupil had been admitted to the hospital.

The girl had opened a case of assault, and the three teachers appeared in the Bolobedu magistrate's court on Thursday last week.

They were each granted bail of R500 and their case was postponed to October 17.