Concern after pupil returns to school following alleged attack

Concerns have been raised at Esther Payne Smith Secondary School after a Grade 10 pupil, accused of assaulting the principal, allegedly returned to classes following a suspension. Teachers, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said they feared for their safety and warned that the pupil’s return could set a dangerous precedent. “We are concerned that this could encourage other pupils to behave violently, believing there will be no serious consequences,” said one teacher.

However, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education Spokesperson Muzi Mahlambi condemned the incident and said the pupil was suspended. We condemn violence against [teachers] and hope the [pupil] has reflected during the suspension. We also trust the principal is receiving the necessary support.

The incident occurred last month during a search operation aimed at recovering stolen cellphones at the school. According to a source, the operation escalated when two pupils reacted aggressively after their phones were confiscated. “They began swearing at a teacher and were referred to the principal’s office.

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They said they did not care if they were expelled,” the source said. Despite the principal attempting to address the matter in line with the school’s code of conduct, the situation intensified. “When the principal activated the panic button to alert security, the pupil allegedly grabbed him by the tie, pulled him and caused him to fall, injuring his elbow,” the source said.

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