The principal of Thuto-Lesedi Secondary School in Vosloorus has been temporarily removed after a brutal bullying incident that left a Grade 8 learner hospitalised with serious facial injuries.
The Gauteng department of education confirmed the principal was transferred to the district office pending an internal investigation. This follows protests on Thursday and Friday by pupils from Thuto-Lesedi and three other nearby schools who demanded accountability from the school's leadership.
The protest erupted after Mvulane Motha,16, had to undergo facial surgery. He was allegedly attacked on July 23 by a group of older learners after refusing to hand over a bag containing sweets he was selling at school.
When we send our children to school we expect them to be safe, not in the state I found my son in, said his mother Nomthandazo Ndaba. He was bleeding and vomiting. He is terrified and doesnt want to return to the school.
Ndaba said the school has shown no concern or support for her son. The principal asked us to leave his office when we went to inquire. No teacher has followed up on my sons condition.