School is accused of racism

HOËRSKOOL Primrose in Germiston could have a race row on its hands after a burly white Grade 12 rugby player reportedly floored a black female schoolmate.

The 16-year-old schoolgirl arrived late for assembly and was meant to join the "row of shame" with other latecomers.

A witness, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the pupil tried to "sneak into the official assembly" but was spotted by the big rugby player who rushed to stop her.

"She tried to push past him and he hit her with two punches in the face and she fell," the witness said.

Another witness said she and other schoolmates rushed to help her and took her to the principal's office.

"The principal basically told us he wouldn't get involved. That was his attitude."

But the school's version differs significantly. Gauteng department of education spokesperson Charles Phahlane said: "The school-governing body says a boy learner and a girl learner fought and a disciplinary hearing was held this week.

"Both were found guilty and suspended for three days. They will be back at school on Tuesday.

"The department will send officials to the school today to find out what really happened, and whether proper procedures were followed".

But the two witnesses contradicted this version.

"Both pupils were suspended - she hasn't been to school since, but he was here on Friday in spite of the suspension.

"If the school believes the two were fighting, why was he at school and she was not? Why is he getting special treatment?", the witness said.

Sowetan was unable to trace either of the families because of the secrecy thrown around the incident.