A Grade 1 teacher who was sentenced to four months in prison for assaulting a six-year-old pupil with a blackboard ruler has become a controversial figure at St. Martin’s Convent Primary School in Harare.
Audrey Bayana, the teacher involved in the incident, was convicted after beating the stuttering pupil for failing to answer questions during class. The child, who sustained injuries to his right eye, has since recovered.
Bayana was sentenced by a Mbare Magistrate to four months in prison, or a US$200 fine. She chose to pay the fine, which led to her immediate release.
Despite the conviction, the school’s authorities took no action against Bayana, a response that has sparked anger among some parents. They argue that the lack of consequences for such an incident gives the impression that violence against students is tolerated, even though it is illegal.
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One parent commented, “The teacher was convicted for assaulting a Grade 1 pupil, yet the school took no action. She is back at work and even encouraging the school to pursue legal action against parents who fail to pay fees. This is unfair, and we urge the school to take responsibility.”
At the time of the incident, it is reported that Bayana and the headmistress attempted to resolve the matter privately with the child’s mother, but the mother refused and insisted on involving the police. She was outraged by the treatment of her child and sought legal recourse.
