A Khayelitsha teacher has allegedly struck a Grade 9 pupil on his genitals with a pipe. This incident is now in the spotlight, as an internal WCED probe is underway.

According to a report on News24 the boy’s mother was made aware of the alleged attack last week and contacted the authorities.

A Khayelitsha teacher allegedly struck a pupil on his genitals

Meanwhile, the Western Cape Education Department has disclosed that officials at their Labour Relations Directorate have launched an investigation into the allegations.

There is as yet no update on the investigation.

The boy’s mother had told the online news publication that she had found her son lying on the couch at home in pain after returning from work last Friday.

The pupil is recovering

After inquiring about his source of pain, he told her his teacher had hit him with a water pipe on his genitals.

According to the digital news platform, the young man is from the Hopolang Combined School in Khayelitsha, and he is recovering well.

At this stage, it’s still unclear what may have led to the alleged assault.

The Western Cape Education Department’s Bronagh Hammond says they take the matter very seriously.

“These are very serious and concerning allegations which are being investigated by our Labour Relations Directorate. Corporal punishment has no place in our schools. The learner has been offered counselling support, and we appeal to all learners in the province to report any form of abuse to our Safe Schools Call Centre on 0800 45 46 47.”