Sipho Masombuka

Sipho Masombuka

The mother of a pupil whose arm was broken as a result of corporal punishment at school has accused the investigating officer of trying to coerce her into dropping the assault charge against the teacher.

Now Themi Mahlangu, 32, of Allemansdrift in Mpumalanga is considering laying a charge of defeating the ends of justice against the police officer.

Her 13-year-old son, Andries Chuma, spent a month with his right arm in a plaster cast after he allegedly had it broken when he was being beaten by his teacher last month.

"I laid a charge against the teacher because I believe she broke the law and my child was injured in the process, said Mahlangu.

"Instead of investigating my complaint the officer is helping the teacher in trying to convince me to drop the assault charge."

She said the Grade 5 teacher at Mabhoko Primary School started asking for forgiveness for hurting her son after learning that Mahlangu had laid aa charge of assault at Siyabuswa police station.

"I was shocked when on a second occasion she came with the investigating officer, who said we should talk about the matter. I refused," Mahlangu said.

"The officer came again the following day, this time accompanied by a colleague, to continue tring to coerce me. I refused again."

The last attempt was allegedly made by the teacher's husband, who offered to pay for the boy's medical costs, but she again refused.

"Now my son tells me that since the incident the teacher does not mark or inspect his schoolwork," Mahlangu said.

Superintendent Abie Khoabane confirmed the assault charge had been laid against the teacher.