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21 May 2023

The three Sir Seretse Khama Memorial Junior Secondary School teachers who are charged with unlawful administration of corporal punishment on pupils have pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The three teachers, Tlamelo Letlole, 44, Unangoni Phindela, 41, and Sophie Mmusi, 53, made their pleas on Friday before Principal Magistrate, Ms Goratile Moremi-Ramakoloi of Broadhurst Magistrate’s Court.

The teachers are charged with unlawfully administering corporal punishment on six pupils of the same school contrary to Section 2 (I) and (III) of the Education Act on or about 29 September 2021. 

The teachers are also charged with acting jointly and in concert.

The teachers, who were making their second appearance, all pleaded not guilty after the charge was read to them and their stance was confirmed by their lawyers.

The case has been scheduled for case management conference on 2 July 2023. Earlier, Magistrate Ms Moremi-Ramakoloi said it was the court’s stance that the case should proceed during school holidays. She said the decision was to avoid any stigma that could be attached towards the involved pupils or teachers.

The first accused, Letlole was represented by Mr Lesedi Moahi while Phindela and Mmusi were represented by Mr Chabuya Lowani. ends