A teacher assistant has been attacked by a Grade 6 laaitie for the second time in two weeks.
The latest incident, in which the woman was punched and kicked at Harmony Primary, was caught on camera.
Educator Assistant (EA) Arlene Petersen, 32, from Lavender Hill says she joined the school in Steenberg a month ago, and two weeks in, the same boy tried to attack her with a brick in class.
Thursday’s attack at 8am was filmed by another EA who witnessed the incident.
In the video, the 13-year-old pupil, dressed in a blue jeans and white T-shirt and wearing a backpack and mask, is seen standing next to Arlene, demanding a ball back that the teacher had confiscated from another pupil.
“Give me my ball, miss,” he says as he repeatedly reaches for her pocket trying to take the ball, and the teacher tells him: “Don’t touch me, go to your class.”
As three grown men intervene, the boy lashes out and kicks Arlene.
As they lead him away, he breaks loose, runs to Arlene and hits her twice with his fist.
Arlene explains: “School was in session and they were playing with a ball in the quad, so I had to confiscate it because I asked them twice to go line up in front of their classes.
“It wasn’t even his ball in the first place. The owner of the ball asked me if he could have it back after school and I said I’ll give it back shortly, they must just go line up for their classes because we still needed to sanitise them before they enter their classes.
“He charged at me and punched me continually behind my back and head.
“Afterwards, the principal asked him to return to his class to write his exam and I went to sit in the staff room until SAPS arrived.”
Arlene says the boy has a bad reputation, and is “feared” by both teachers and pupils.
“He even threatens his own classmates. They are all scared of him.”
“This is the second time this child abused me. Last week he nearly hit me with a brick.
“I shouted loudly and other teachers came to stop him, but no action was taken by the principal.”
Western Cape Education Department spokesperson Millicent Merton says: “The school will be taking disciplinary action against the learner in response to this incident and an incident about two weeks ago when the learner threatened a EA with a brick.
“The district will offer support to the EA. The learner will also be referred to our behaviour intervention team.”
SAPS’ FC van Wyk confirms a case of assault against the Grade 6 learner is under investigation.