A video has emerged online showing a man kicking and using a stick to force a child along a treadmill at the Kostanay Children's Centre for Special Social Services.
According to Tengrinews.kz, children with severe diagnoses are housed in this facility around the clock. There are also pupils who attend for day care.
The Department for Coordination of Employment and Social Services stated that appropriate measures have already been taken and those responsible have been punished.
"As soon as the department became aware of this, a special commission was set up, which went to the scene and examined all the materials. As of today, the PE teacher has been dismissed under the relevant article, and the parents have contacted the police. The director has been held disciplinarily responsible, as have the social workers whose duties include monitoring the cameras – that's three people. We will strengthen controls and work with other residential institutions, because this is unacceptable," emphasised the deputy head of the department, Maxim Ustinov.
At the same time, the police department reported that a pre-trial investigation has been launched under Part 2 of Article 140 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan "Failure to fulfil duties for the upbringing of a minor".
"The criminal case is under investigation. All necessary investigative actions are being carried out, and a relevant expert examination has been ordered, based on the results of which a corresponding procedural decision will be made," the departmental press service reported.