RULER JUSTICE! Teacher fined US$100 for beating Grade 3 pupil

Danisa Masuku

A NO-NONSENSE Bulawayo teacher who turned into a backyard disciplinarian, is counting the cost after she was fined US$100 for spanking a Grade Three pupil with a wooden ruler.

Precious Gumede (59), stationed at SOS Primary School, found herself on the wrong side of the law after she gave the pupil a stinging dozen whacks on the back of his hands — all for allegedly making noise in class.

Gumede, who pleaded not guilty, was dragged before Bulawayo magistrate Maxwell Ncube facing an assault charge.

She probably hoped her years of service and firm hand would save her, but the evidence painted a different picture.

The court heard that the child sustained visible injuries on the back of his hands. A medical report confirming the assault was tabled as part of the prosecution’s case, sealing her fate.

Magistrate Ncube ruled that Gumede had indeed taken the law into her own hands and had no right to mete out corporal punishment, especially to that extent.

“She should have simply cautioned the child instead of physically assaulting him,” ruled the magistrate as he handed down the sentence.

A US$100 fine, or three months behind bars if she fails to pay up. To make matters worse, two months of that sentence were suspended on condition she does not commit a similar offence within the next five years.

The incident sparked outrage among parents, and the court heard how the guardian of the young victim was left emotionally and financially drained.

In a victim impact statement, the guardian said:

“The child is now afraid to go to school. I spent a lot of money on medication and that money was meant to buy food and cater for other expenses such as transport fares and rates at home.”

The court didn’t reveal whether the school had taken internal action, but education authorities are expected to weigh in.

Cases of corporal punishment in schools have been under strict scrutiny, with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education making it clear that physical discipline is banned in classrooms across the country.

Sources at the school told B-Metro that while some teachers still believe in the old-school approach of discipline by the stick, this case might be the wake-up call they needed.

Others felt strict disciplinarians of old where necessary in the education system.

“You can’t go around beating kids like it’s 1985,” said one concerned parent. “Times have changed. Teachers must adapt or risk jail,” said a teacher.

Others said removing corporal punishment in schools has led to the wayward behaviour that has resulted in children disrespecting elders, going to Vuzu parties and taking drugs.

“A firm hand is always necessary with children. It benefits them and society, to learn at an early age that every action has consequences. Good behaviour usually begets pleasant results, while wanton actions come with negative repercussions,” said a parent with kids at SOS.