Crèche Supervisor Suspended After Allegedly Assaulting 3-Year-Old in Lichtenburg
A supervisor at a crèche in Lichtenburg, North West, has been suspended following allegations of physically assaulting a three-year-old child. The incident, which occurred at Mmelegi Community Crèche in Boikhutso on January 21, was captured on video.
The video shows the boy running away from the supervisor, who then strikes him twice on the head with her open hand after he climbs onto a stoep. The boy is seen holding his head in pain as the supervisor walks away.
The boy's grandmother expressed her distress, stating, "We want justice. It’s so painful, and I cannot express it."
The incident came to light after the crèche contacted the boy's mother, who was unable to respond immediately due to writing an exam. The footage was shown to the mother and grandmother on January 26. The teacher allegedly claimed she disciplined the child for biting another child, a claim disputed by the family and staff, who said they heard no child crying. The mother also criticized the supervisor's alleged lack of remorse, claiming she downplayed the incident.
The school governing body (SGB) chairperson, Betty Leeto, revealed that reports of assault had been made as far back as 2024. In response, the SGB installed security cameras to monitor the premises. The January 21 incident was captured on these cameras.
The SGB has called for immediate intervention by the Department of Education and social workers to address the ongoing issues at the school.
A social worker's report confirmed an investigation was underway and that the supervisor had been suspended. The report also emphasized the need for a good working relationship between committee members, staff, and parents.
The boy’s family plans to open a criminal case against the supervisor.
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