Corpun file 24467 at www.corpun.com

Eyewitness News, Johannesburg, 30 April 2013

Headmaster admits to using corporal punishment

By Mandy Wiener

This screengrab shows a picture of a child's bruised buttocks which was posted to Facebook. It is claimed the child was beaten by the school's principal.

MPUMALANGA -- The Mpumalanga Education Department on Tuesday confirmed that a Bethal headmaster admitted to using corporal punishment on a 10-year-old boy.

The admission followed a query from Eyewitness News.

The Marietjie van Niekerk Laerskool principal was also forced to remove an old South African flag which was displayed in the school's hall.

Last week, the learner's mother posted a picture on Facebook of her son's buttocks bearing thick purple bruises.

She also posted a comment that the school's headmaster was responsible for the beating.

Eyewitness News alerted the department to the post.

Its spokesperson Jasper Zwane said investigations found there was a prima facie case against the principal.

Click to enlarge

"We have referred the matter to the department's labour relations directorate to institute disciplinary processes against the principal of the school."

Eyewitness News also sent Zwane a picture from the school's website showing the old South African flag on display in the school hall.

The headmaster agreed to remove the flag.

He remained in his office as the investigation continued.

He is facing disciplinary action for beating the pupil.

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