BY DOUGLAS VAHIA
A teacher at Sir Dudley Tuti College in Isabel Province is under investigation after allegedly whipping three male students with a ‘timber stick’, leaving one of them hospitalised with a suspected spinal injury.
The incident occurred at around 6.30pm on Wednesday, July 22, while the students – one in Form 6, and two in Form 5 – were on duty as school caretakers during the term break.
A source on the ground, who requested anonymity, said the teacher struck the boys across their backs without warning, in what one witness described as a mixture of “punches and whips”.
Community members say the students were simply carrying out their caretaker duties when they were allegedly attacked without provocation.
The School Principal told Island Sun yesterday the matter was an internal one and that reports circulating on Facebook were exaggerated and misleading the public.
He maintained the incident was not as serious as portrayed.
The principal said the teacher was related to some of the girls in the school dormitory, and that he (principal) was currently in town and still waiting for the school to formally report the incident to him.
Isabel Principal Education Officer (PEO) and School Review Standards Officer, Ruben Dotho Jr, told the Island Sun that so far there has been no official report from the school.
He said he is still waiting for a formal written complaint from the School Principal before the matter can be acted upon. Almost a week on, no formal report has been received.
Speaking to the Island Sun yesterday, Provincial Minister for Health and Medical Services, Nathaniel Gudfraede, said one of the victims, a Form 5 student, is currently warded at Buala Hospital, where he is undergoing x-rays for a suspected spinal injury.
Hospital staff say his back pain and possible bone damage are consistent with the alleged whipping.
“The teacher should not apply the old system of whipping students. We expect our children to be safe in the hands of the school, and that kind of discipline should not be practised. It was a very sad report to hear,” said Gudfraede.
The teacher could not be reached for comment. The other two students sustained less severe injuries and are said to be recovering under medical care.
It is understood that the case has been forwarded to the police for further investigation.
Police commander for Isabel province could not be reached yesterday for comments.
For feedback, contact: [email protected]
Editor: [email protected]
