Eight-year-old Nthabiseng Mtambo died at a hospital in Bethlehem on Sunday after her Grade 3 teacher at Reatile Primary School in Petsana township, near Reitz, continuously beat her on the head with a hose-pipe, Sowetan reported on Thursday.
The incident happened on January 26. The pupil returned from school complaining of a severe headache.
The teacher is still teaching but a provincial education department spokesperson said internal disciplinary proceedings have been instituted against the teacher.
“We could not suspend the teacher as we need to investigate allegations against her first,” he told The Sowetan.
The mother, Puleng Makgalemele, said: “I’m appalled that she has not been suspended by the department or even arrested. I want justice for my daughter.”
The police confirmed a case of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm was opened but was later changed to common assault.
- This article was published on page 2 in Sowetan on 18 February
Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package. 
