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The Dynamic Teachers Union of Zambia has declared full support for five teachers from Senanga Day Secondary School who are facing criminal charges for allegedly assaulting a 15-year-old pupil, insisting that discipline must remain central to the country’s education system.
In a statement issued on Thursday, DTUZ General Secretary, David Simakaba Siamutwa, said the union would not allow what it described as public emotion, sensationalism or social-media pressure to erode school discipline.
He argued that a decline in classroom authority would lead to disorder and have long-term consequences for national development.
“Discipline remains the foundation upon which any functional education system is built and shall never be sacrificed at the altar of public emotion, sensationalism, or social media pressure,” Siamutwa said.
Read more: Teachers arrested in Senanga for allegedly assaulting 15-year-old pupil
He added that teachers operated in demanding environments where they were expected to maintain order, guide learners and help shape responsible citizens.
Siamutwa said the DTUZ would provide full legal representation and institutional backing to the teachers involved in the case and would protect its members from what he termed intimidation, public vilification and trial by social media.
The union has secured a meeting with the Western Province Education Office, district education authorities and the head teacher of Senanga Day Secondary School to discuss the matter.
Siamutwa said the meeting would promote constructive dialogue, demonstrate the union’s cooperation with authorities and ensure that the case was handled with professionalism, fairness and due process.
He cautioned law-enforcement agencies and stakeholders against rushing to condemn educators, saying justice must be grounded in objectivity. “Justice must never be driven by emotion, public pressure, or populist sentiment.
“The rule of law demands fairness, balance, and objectivity. Both learners and teachers deserve equal protection under the law,” he said.
Siamutwa warned that hastily criminalising teachers could weaken classroom authority and ultimately harm learners. He emphasized that educators were mentors and nation-builders, not adversaries of pupils.
The union urged the public, stakeholders and the media to exercise restraint and allow the judicial process to unfold as the courts establish the facts.
The statement follows the arrest of five teachers by the Zambia Police Service in Senanga after a juvenile reported being assaulted at Senanga Day Secondary School on March 16.
Police said the boy sustained a painful neck, rib pain, backache and general body pains after being beaten with fists and slapped.
All five teachers were charged with Assault on a Child under Section 248A of the Penal Code of Zambia and released on police bond pending court appearance.
Commissioner of Police Rae Hamoonga, issuing the update under the Western Division Police Command, condemned violence against minors and urged caregivers and educators to uphold children’s rights.
Police say they will continue monitoring the case as it moves through the courts.
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