A six-year-old boy was hospitalised after being swung in the air and flung onto the ground by an alleged bully at Parow West Primary on Friday.
Grade 1 learner Caleb Harris was left crying in pain and had to undergo an emergency operation after stopping the older boy from choking his friend during break time.
Ouma Brenda Harris says on Friday morning she received a call from the school secretary saying there had been a “klein ongeluk” and she needed to collect the boy.
“When I arrived I saw a bucket of water in front of him and he was crying in pain,” says Brenda.
“They did not tell me what had happened and I carried him to the car. While on our way to Goodwood Day Hospital I asked him what happened and he said a Grade 3 boy was choking his friend and when he told him to stop fighting, the boy picked him up and flung him on the tarmac.”
HURT: Caleb’s broken arml. Photo: Monique Duval
Caleb was referred to Tygerberg Hospital where doctors did X-rays and found that his arm was broken and the splinters had gone into the muscle, causing severe swelling.
The young boy had wires and screws inserted in his arm and is in a cast.
Brenda says they were told to return in six weeks so the doctors can ascertain if there is permanent damage.
“When we went to the school on Monday the principal made it out as if Caleb is lying,” says the ouma.
“We also have questions about how this could have happened because they told us there were three teachers and six prefects watching the children.”
Caleb says his attacker fights every day at school but says the principal does not believe him.
“He throws the children and hits them in the face and stomachs,” he says.
“I was playing with my friend and he just came to choke him. So I said stop it! He came to pick me up and spun me around and threw me on the ground.
“I told Dr. Ferreira what happened and he said the boy told him they were just playing, but they weren’t. So doctor believes him, but doesn’t believe me.”
SCENE: Boy hurt at Parow West Primary School. Photo: Monique Duval
Western Cape Education Department spokesperson, Bronagh Hammond, says the school is probing the matter.
“The learner was allegedly dropped by accident by the other learner,” she says.
“The learner was immediately brought to the administration block by one of the educators on duty.
“The learner was in extreme pain, but had allegedly indicated that he was playing with the other learner and ‘fell over’.
“The learner indicated his father was a medical doctor.
“The school contacted the grandparents and administered first aid - they iced the arm where there was swelling and placed the arm in a sling to stabilise the arm. The school is investigating the incident.”
Caleb’s family has, however, reported the matter to police.
monique.duval@inl.co.za