HRC probe into beating of EC pupils

The Human Rights Commission (HRC) is investigating allegations of violence against pupils at a school in Lugangeni Village, near KwaBhaca.

Makaula Senior Secondary School principal Luzuko Mbana is also being investigated by the Eastern Cape education department for using corporal punishment at the school.

The investigations by the HRC and education department come after a video of a teacher mercilessly beating pupils went viral last month. The pupil who filmed the video was suspended from the school for two weeks.

While Mbana has admitted that the school had used corporal punishment, he claimed parents had told them to use it.

HRC Eastern Cape manager Abongile Siphondo confirmed to the Daily Dispatch this week they were probing the allegations.

“We are awaiting to hear what their response is on these allegations,” he said.

Siphondo said corporal punishment was indeed a human rights violation. Several rights seem to have been violated at that school.

“Our interest is in ensuring that the rights of pupils are not violated, and seek to ensure that this practice ends – not only in this school but in all schools in the province,” he said.

Education MEC Mandla Makupula previously said they were still waiting for the outcome of their investigation against Mbana, which will determine any possible action. — sinom@dispatch.co.za