School matron accused of beating schoolgirls 35 times with electric cord

Published: 2013 October 17 20:03:24 (7413 Views)

A Lower Six pupil at Gloag High School in Bubi District has opened a case of assault against the school matron for allegedly beating her using an electric cord.

This was after the girl allegedly mocked a classmate for failing an interview to become a prefect.

The pupil who sustained multiple injuries, reported the matter at Bulawayo Central Police Station.

Bulawayo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Mandlenkosi Moyo confirmed that a report had been made and said investigations were underway.

"We are investigating the assault of a school pupil by a matron last Wednesday at Gloag High School," said Insp Moyo.

The girl who narrated her ordeal and said the matron, identified as Mrs Ngwenya took her and another pupil to her quarters where they were made to lie on the floor before being thoroughly beaten up.

"I was beaten by Naso (Mrs Ngwenya) for laughing at a classmate who had failed interviews to be a prefect. The girl only picked me and my friend and accused us of laughing at her yet everyone laughed at her," she said.

"The girl went to make a report to the senior woman who then referred her to the matron. Mrs Ngwenya called me to her quarters but I could not go because I had a swollen knee. She summoned me for the second time and my friend carried me on her back to her premises.

"When we got to the premises the matron said she was going to punish us for laughing at another pupil. She said she did not care that I was not feeling well. She ordered us to lie on the floor and she started beating us using an electric cord and I could count more than 35 lashes."

She said after the alleged assault, Mrs Ngwenya ordered them to clean floors in the dormitory and study room and also to spread quarry in front of one of the school buildings.

Her friend reportedly did not report the matter because her father teaches at the same school.

The pupil said she narrated her ordeal to her parents when she came home to get treatment for her knee.

Her mother, Ms Dorcas Dube said she decided to open a case after seeing that her daughter was in pain.

She said the school head invited her to the school so that they talk over the issue, promising that the school would help with medical expenses.

Contacted for comment the school matron denied the allegations.

"I do not know what you are talking about. I did not do such a thing, I suggest you contact the head," said Mrs Ngwenya.

The headmaster, Mr Gamuledu Ncube, was said to be out of office.

Provincial education director for Matabeleland North Mrs Boithatelo Mnguni said they had not received a formal report on the matter.

"I am going to investigate the matter as soon as I receive a report from the school. All I can say is that discipline is allowed at school but there are regulations that guide the extent of discipline," said Mrs Mnguni.

- Newsbite