ALARMING RISE IN TEACHER ASSAULTS: 50 INCIDENTS REPORTED

Educators under threat from learners

- GENEVIEVE SERRA

IN A DISTURBING trend that has gripped schools across the province, a staggering total of 50 incidents of learner assaults on teachers have been recorded since January, translating to nearly 10 assaults per month.

Just last week, police were called to investigate an incident at Manenberg High School, where a teacher was allegedly assaulted with a brick by a Grade 9 learner.

It is understood that after a school break, some learners jumped over the school fence and the brick was then thrown by one of the learners, hitting the teacher.

Police have confirmed that a counter case has been opened by the learner's parents, claiming he was then assaulted by the teacher.

Western Cape Education Department (WCED) spokesperson, Bronagh Hammond, said they called on the support of parents and guardians in the growing crisis at schools.

"There are over 1.2 million learners in the system, but 50 incidents of verbal and/or physical assault is 50 too many.

"While the majority of our learners show respect and value their teachers, there are learners that show disrespect towards them," said Hammond.