Sibongile Mashaba

Sibongile Mashaba

Children as young as eight are allegedly being severely punished at Jeppe High Preparatory School in Johannesburg.

Teachers and the principal are said to force pupils to serve their punishments during classes.

The teachers are also accused of racism and favouritism towards white pupils.

A parent said he observed a pupil serving punishment.

Said the parent: "I was at the school on Thursday and I saw a boy aged about eight sweeping corridors as punishment. About four hours later he was still sweeping the floors."

The parent of a black Grade 6 pupil aged 13, said she had gone to the school because her son had been involved in a fight with a white boy. She said her son was punished more severely than the white boy and that the school had not notified her of the fight. She has opened a case of assault.

Police Captain Bhekizizwe Mavundla confirmed this. The principal refused to comment.