Learner dies after alleged assault by principal
A learner in Mpumalanga has passed away after being assaulted - allegedly by a school principal.
The Provincial Department of Education says Siphomandla Choma was a learner at the Manyano Primary School in the Steve Tshwete Local Municipality.
"The Mpumalanga Department of Education has received with shock the sad news of the passing on of Siphomandla Choma, who was allegedly assaulted by the school principal," says spokesperson Jasper Zwane.
Zwane says the principal has been charged with misconduct. The first session of the disciplinary hearing sat on Friday, 17 March 2017.
Zwane says the department has conveyed its sincere condolences to the family, the school and everyone affected.
"The MEC for Education, Mrs. Reginah Mhaule will visit the family to pay her homage tomorrow," says Zwane.
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Meanwhile, police spokesperson Leonard Hlathi says they are waiting for an update from the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
"The investigation was done and the docket was forwarded to the Public Prosecutor for a decision," says Hlathi.
"Now the docket has been escalated to the Director of Public Prosecution for a decision and that is what we are waiting for," adds Hlathi.