The department is investigating the alleged assault of an 18-year-old student by an employee of the Thiboloha School for the Deaf and Blind in Phuthaditjhaba. The case has been referred to the police for both internal investigation and criminal investigation.
The incident is said to have occurred on Tuesday afternoon (2/6) and involved an employee. The school has confirmed that two on-duty house parents and a teacher witnessed the alleged attack, and the student received an immediate medical evaluation at the school clinic.
The matter was formally referred to the Industrial Relations Department through the circuit manager’s office for investigation on Thursday (4/6). All witness statements from the two house parents and the teacher were collected and documented, and the medical assessment from the school clinic was secured as part of the investigation.
“We can confirm that a criminal case has been opened with the police, and both the school and the department will co-operate fully with the investigation,” said Free State education spokesperson Howard Ndaba.
“Psychosocial support was immediately activated and a professional guidance team will be deployed to Thiboloha School to provide trauma counseling and ongoing support to the affected student as she returns to school.”
“The department reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of all students, especially those with special needs. We urge anyone with information to come forward and cooperate fully with the investigation.”
Free State MEC for Education, Dr MJ Maboya, strongly condemned the incident: “Let this serve as a clear warning: the Free State Education Department will not tolerate any form of violence or abuse in our schools.
“We will leave no stone unturned. A full investigation is underway and decisive action will be taken against anyone found responsible.”
In May, a 56-year-old teacher at Pulamadiboho Primary School in Harrismith was arrested after allegedly inflicting corporal punishment on a year 3, 8 student. The teacher, who was charged with common assault, appeared in the Harrismith Magistrate’s Court following her arrest.
The Free State Department of Education said it remains committed to ensuring that schools are safe, nurturing environments where all students are protected from harm, especially those with special educational needs.
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