Activists slam NPA’s decision not to prosecute principal accused of corporal punishment

The Teddy Bear Clinic for Abused Children warns that the National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) decision to withdraw the case against Madisong Secondary School’s principal will likely deter children from reporting abuse.

The clinic’s Director, Dr Shaheda Omar, says she suspects that this decision may increase children’s fear of not being believed and the belief that justice will not prevail.

Yesterday, the family of Katlego Kgoele, who was violently beaten allegedly by the school principal Bethuel Mooka, reached out to YNews in distress after being informed that their case had been withdrawn.

Two months ago the 17-year-old’s family filed criminal charges against Mooka for alleged corporal punishment, stemming from an incident in 2023.

The NPA in Gauteng says it’s investigating the circumstances surrounding the withdrawal of the case.

While it remains speculative about what led to the decision, Dr Omar suspects that due diligence might not have been observed.

The clinic’s director has emphasised that corporal punishment is a crime, both at home and school.

She says it’s unfortunate how the current outcomes in Kgoele’s case have subjected the victim to secondary trauma, highlighting that the system has failed him.

Non-profit Child Protection Organisation, Women and Men Against Child Abuse, has also weighed in, raising concern about the NPA’s decision.

The organisation’s Head of Advocacy, Luke Lombracht, has echoed the same frustrations as Dr Omar about the negative impact that continued corporal punishment will have on learners.

Lombracht has outlined the next steps of action he would like to see to ensure justice for the victim.

Gauteng Department of Education’s Director in Tshwane, Thea Coetser, says their investigation continues and the implicated principal in Katlego’s case remains on precautionary transfer.