The Ministry of Education has suspended four staff including the Acting Head of School of a prominent government school.

This is after they received complaints of child abuse.

The Fiji Sun reports this related to Queen Victoria School in Tailevu where four students were allegedly stripped naked and chilli rubbed on their mouth and private parts.

It’s alleged this was punishment directed by an assistant principal after the students took leave without permission.

Minister Rosy Akbar says Heads of Schools and teachers have been reminded on numerous occasions that they will neither condone nor tolerate any breach of the Civil Servants Code of Conduct and Ministry policies.

She adds the Ministry has disciplinary measures and will institute them without hesitation against all officers found in breach.

The Minister adds the investigation will continue while the four remain suspended.

She has warned all staff that the Ministry has no place for officers who inflict harm, and subject children to inhumane and degrading treatment in schools.

The Fiji Police Force has also confirmed that they are investigating a case of alleged abuse reported on Wednesday night.

It says the four students were allegedly physically abused by a senior teacher on school premises.