Central SA
Harrismith principal denied bail as former learners speak out─── ZENANDE MPAME 10:07 Wed, 19 Nov 2025
The principal of New Horizon College in Harrismith is expected to appear in the local magistrate’s court on Monday (24/11) on a charge of sexual assault after being denied bail.
The 50-year-old’s bail application was refused during his appearance in court on Tuesday (18/11), and he was remanded in custody. He is accused of sexually assaulting a learner.
According to police, the 15-year-old was studying with classmates when she was called to the principal’s staff room. She was later directed to a disused office where the principal allegedly touched her inappropriately.
When she returned to her classmates, she told them what had happened. They encouraged her to alert her parents immediately. The family reported the matter to the police, which led to a formal investigation and the principal’s arrest.
Free State police spokesperson Mmako Mophiring confirmed: “In the case of the sexual assault of the Harrismith principal, he was denied bail and will appear again on Monday next week.”
Following the principal’s arrest, former learners have come forward on social media to share their alleged experiences with him. Many commended the young girl for recording the principal during the alleged incident and for reporting it to her parents. 
The Free State education department has reiterated its commitment to learner safety. “We want to congratulate and commend the learner for coming forward with 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. Our schools must be safe spaces that serve as centres of learning and teaching.
“We have zero tolerance for sexual harassment involving teachers, learners, or officials working in schools.”
The school released a statement confirming it is “aware of allegations of inappropriate conduct involving the head of the secondary school; the matter is now under official investigation.
“In line with our statutory obligations, the school management took immediate action by suspending the individual with immediate effect pending the outcome of the investigation.”
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