North West Education Department ordered to pay R2.8m for school stabbing that blinded child

THE MEC for Education in the North West Province must pay more than R2.8 million to the mother of a child who was stabbed in the eye by a fellow learner at school.

- ZELDA VENTER

The North West High Court, sitting in Mahikeng, earlier ruled that the education authorities are 100% liable for the child’s injuries as there was inadequate supervision by the teachers when the incident occurred.

The matter was now back in court to determine the amount of damages to be awarded. A host of medical and other experts submitted reports to the court regarding the boy’s injuries and his prognosis.

The court was informed that the child, who was injured while attending Seraleng Primary School, was a smart boy who consistently achieved high academic marks. His injury, however, has now left him blind in one eye. In awarding R2.8 million in damages, the school arranged for him to attend a private school if his mother chose to do so.