Alex Matlala

Alex Matlala

The Limpopo school principal accused of assaulting a 12-year-old pupil for failing to mow the lawn has allegedly also assaulted several other children.

Known as "Mr Corporal Punishment" in the community, Elijah Lebodu has allegedly assaulted seven other pupils for late coming and failing to mow the lawn at Nkidikitlana Primary School.

Several parents whose children were alleged victims of Lebodu's "temper" told Sowetan about the harsh conditions their kids had to end ure each time they made a mistake.

Christina Mpedi said she was forced to withdraw her son from the school after he was allegedly assaulted for late coming.

Fourteen-year-old y Harry Mpedi's sin was to arrive at school a few minutes after the principal had entered. The boy was allegedly badly assaulted, prompting his mother to withdrew him from the school.

"I was woken up by the loud cries of my son. His hands and body were swollen and he could not speak properly," she said.

Lebodu is due to appear in court on June 1 on several charges of assault.