A 40-year-old South African woman, accused of beating a teacher with an umbrella “to teach her a lesson” has been arraigned at the Mankwe Magistrate’s Court in Mogwase.
Itumeleng Lizbeth Letsepe, who was released on R2000 bail, is facing a charge of assault with the intention to cause grievous bodily harm after beating a Grade three teacher, Mpuseng Sepotokele, 52, at Leema Primary School, for assaulting her child.
The teacher was repeatedly assaulted on the head and hands with an umbrella and she sustained injuries including open wounds, but now recovering at home.
Meanwhile, the chief executive officer of the National Professional Teachers’ Organisation of South Africa (Naptosa), Tshwanelo Mmutlana, has called on government to protect educators. She said there were laws and rights protecting learners, but none for teachers.
“Teachers are bullied and harassed in classrooms and it is enough. We want laws that protect teachers, we want police visibility at schools and serious action to be taken against those abusing teachers. .
Learners are bullies who are protected by laws and they know nothing will happen to them,” she added.
