Free State Education Spokesperson, Howard Ndaba, tells OFM News this comes after the grade 12 learner’s legal counsel suggested to the school’s management and department officials during her disciplinary hearing on 21 April, that she’ll withdraw from the school voluntarily. 

At the time the learner had been suspended from the school. 

Ndaba reveals the matter was thereafter escalated to the local police for investigation. The alleged sexual misconduct is believed to have taken place at the school’s hostel in late 2020, but was only reported to the school management and education officials in March 2021. 

The situation at the school became contentious last week when unhappy learners held a silent protest at the school. They were demonstrating against what they deem to be inaction by the school and the department on the issue. 

The St Michael’s School Governing Body (SGB) subsequently released a statement in an attempt to quell the tension brewing at the school. 

“We are aware of the concerns raised by some of the learners in the matter and appreciate that this has been done in a peaceful manner. I can assure the St. Michael’s community that all that could be done has been done to maintain the integrity of the process that had been initiated. 

"The guidelines in our Code of Conduct have been adhered to, and legal counsel was also sought. The learner accused of the alleged misconduct is no longer at school or in the hostel. We are actively embarking on a process to support those who may have been affected, in providing counselling and support,” says Ruth Govender, the Chairperson of the SGB. 

Ndaba previously told OFM News more learners are coming forth with information, indicating that this one incident, could just be the tip of the iceberg in the matter, but it's not yet confirmed if this is indeed the case.

OFM News