The department has welcomed the arrest and the suspension of the 50-year-old for allegedly sexually assaulting a learner. The principal will appear in the Harrismith Magistrate’s Court on Monday (17/11) on a charge of sexual assault.

On Tuesday (11/11), the 15-year-old was studying with her classmates when she was called to the principal’s staff room. She was later directed to an old office where the principal allegedly touched her inappropriately.

When she returned to her classmates, she told them what had happened. They encouraged her to immediately alert her parents. They reported the matter to the police, which led to a formal investigation and the principal’s arrest on Friday (14/11).

“We want to congratulate and commend the learner for coming forward on this allegation,” said education spokesperson Howard Ndaba. “As a department, we will not tolerate any form of sexual harassment against our learners, or any form of violence in our schools.

“We have said more than once that our schools should be safe and should serve as a centre for learning and teaching. We have a zero tolerance for any sexual harassment against our teachers, learners, and officials working in schools.”

As investigations unfold, the department will closely monitor the proceedings. “We will allow the legal process to unfold, and we will work with the owners of the school because it is an independent school,” said Ndaba.

Should the allegations be confirmed, the department will recommend the immediate dismissal of the principal. It will also engage with relevant authorities to ensure he is barred from working with children in any educational institution.

In September, the department called for a joint-hand approach in dealing with school safety after former St Bernard High School learners in Bloemfontein had made sexual harassment allegations against several teachers.

The six former learners opened cases with the police. Five were in matric, while a former Grade 10 learner has since been transferred from the school and left Bloemfontein.

“The matter of sexual violence in schools needs to be dealt with holistically; in some of the cases, parents would withdraw the cases, stating that they do not want their children to be subjected to processes of examinations and questioning,” said Ndaba.

• Have a news tip to share? Phone or whatsapp the OFM News Hotline: 066 487 1427.

OFM News/Zenande Mpame cvs