WATCH: Several students suspended after attack on teacher
Shocking video footage of the incident shows students assaulting a teacher by throwing a bucket of water over him, while others proceeded to hurl water balloons and various objects at him.
Teachers are not always appreciated for the hardships they endure in the classroom.
Unruly pupils often make headlines in South Africa, reinforcing the reality that not all educators have it easy.
The latest incident to shock the nation has led to the suspension of several students from Hoër Tegniese Skool in Klerksdorp, North West Province, after they doused a teacher with water.
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Footage circulating on social media shows students dressed in overalls and balaclavas acting inappropriately in the school’s restrooms, with one learner even pushing a teacher who was trying to reprimand them.
Moments later, more students rushed out of the restrooms, pouring a bucket of water over the teacher while others threw objects, including water balloons.
Watch here:
⚠️ NOT FOR SENSITIVE VIEWERS: Learners from Hoër Tegniese Skool in Klerksdorp, accused of abusing a teacher by pouring water and papers on him, have been suspended for five days. Vid: NW Education. @TheCitizen_News pic.twitter.com/r0Obo72WpI
— 𝙵𝚊𝚒𝚣𝚎𝚕 𝙿𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚕 ⚡️ (@FaizelPatel143) August 22, 2025
The students reportedly also disrupted other classes during the incident, which took place on Tuesday, August 19.
According to IOL, Provincial MEC for Education Viola Motsumi condemned the students for their "barbaric and unacceptable" behaviour. Five pupils have since been suspended following the incident.
"We are not going to tolerate learners who assault our teachers. They do not belong in our schools. I have instructed the School Governing Body (SGB) of this school to take drastic steps against these learners. The disciplinary measures taken should send a clear message to others never to attempt such horrible behaviour," she said.
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Parents of the guilty parties were informed about the incident. Following an urgent meeting by the School Management Team (SMT), it was reportedly decided that the learners would be suspended for five school days.
"This suspension is an interim measure pending the outcome of a formal disciplinary process as per the school’s code of conduct," said Motsumi.
"The disciplinary process will continue according to departmental policies and the school’s code of conduct," she added.
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