Pupils suspended for dousing teacher with water at Hoër Tegniese Skool in Klerksdorp
Five pupils have been suspended after the poured water at a teacher and disrupted classes in Hoër Tegniese Skool in Klerksdorp.
Image: Screenshot
Several pupils from Hoër Tegniese Skool in Klerksdorp in the North West have been suspended after a video went viral showing them abusing a teacher by throwing objects at him before pouring a bucket of water over him.
It was said the group of learners entered the school restrooms dressed in overalls and balaclavas and started disrupting classes.
The North West Department of Education confirmed that the incident took place on Tuesday, August 19, 2025.
A video captured the incident where a male teacher attempted to de-escalate a situation by encouraging learners to return to class. However, the situation worsened as pupils began to mock him and pelt him with paper. Unexpectedly, one student approached him from behind and poured a bucket of water over him.
Provincial MEC of education Viola Motsumi condemned the incident, calling it "barbaric and unacceptable".
"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.
Motsumi said parents of the involved learners were informed about the incident and on Wednesday, the School Management Team (SMT) convened an urgent meeting, and it was resolved that all involved 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.
Motsumi said she has instructed the district to arrange teachers and learners, who have been affected by this incident.
She said the department remains committed to fostering an environment where discipline and safety are paramount.
“The disciplinary process will continue according to departmental policies and the school’s code of conduct,” she added.
sinenhlanhla.masilela@iol.co.za
IOL News
Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel.