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Woman fined for assaulting grade 5 pupil
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A 58-year-old woman from Parse village, Mphoengs, under Chief Tshitshi, has been fined US$200 after pleading guilty to assaulting her juvenile neighbour. Egnitor Ngwenya appeared before Plumtree magistrate Joshua Nembaware, who ordered her to pay the fine by March 31.
The victim, Sakhile Moyo, a Grade 5 pupil, was allegedly targeted on December 14, 2025, after Ngwenya accused him of insulting her. Prosecutor Sheila Nyathi told the court that Ngwenya instructed two male juveniles, Patsimo and Wellington, to seize Moyo and tie him to a tree. She then ordered nine other boys to assault him using logs, ropes, fists, and boots. The boy sustained injuries, prompting a police report that led to Ngwenya's arrest.
The case comes shortly after the fatal assault of a six-year-old girl over a school-related dispute, highlighting ongoing concerns about violence against children. Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare permanent secretary Simon Masanga condemned the incident, stressing that no circumstance justifies the use of physical abuse against children.
"This heartbreaking case is a stark reminder that children deserve love, patience and protection, not punishment that endangers their lives," Masanga said. He urged parents, guardians, and caregivers to adopt positive parenting practices, focusing on encouragement, guidance, and respect rather than harmful discipline.
Masanga further called on communities to take collective responsibility in safeguarding children and encouraged the public to report cases of abuse to the nearest police or social welfare office. "The tragic loss of a child through violence is abhorrent, and we must ensure that no child ever suffers in this way again," he said, adding that only support and encouragement can nurture a child's natural abilities.
The victim, Sakhile Moyo, a Grade 5 pupil, was allegedly targeted on December 14, 2025, after Ngwenya accused him of insulting her. Prosecutor Sheila Nyathi told the court that Ngwenya instructed two male juveniles, Patsimo and Wellington, to seize Moyo and tie him to a tree. She then ordered nine other boys to assault him using logs, ropes, fists, and boots. The boy sustained injuries, prompting a police report that led to Ngwenya's arrest.
The case comes shortly after the fatal assault of a six-year-old girl over a school-related dispute, highlighting ongoing concerns about violence against children. Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare permanent secretary Simon Masanga condemned the incident, stressing that no circumstance justifies the use of physical abuse against children.
"This heartbreaking case is a stark reminder that children deserve love, patience and protection, not punishment that endangers their lives," Masanga said. He urged parents, guardians, and caregivers to adopt positive parenting practices, focusing on encouragement, guidance, and respect rather than harmful discipline.
Masanga further called on communities to take collective responsibility in safeguarding children and encouraged the public to report cases of abuse to the nearest police or social welfare office. "The tragic loss of a child through violence is abhorrent, and we must ensure that no child ever suffers in this way again," he said, adding that only support and encouragement can nurture a child's natural abilities.
Source - Southern Eye
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