MBOMBELA- The Mpumalanga Department of Education has placed the principal of Khangela Primary School on precautionary suspension with immediate effect following his arrest for the alleged sexual assault of an 11-year-old Grade 6 learner.
The suspension was confirmed in a statement issued by the Department. It said the action was taken in line with the Employment of Educators Act to protect the integrity of the investigation and to ensure a safe learning environment.
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“The School Management Team and the School Governing Body have been formally informed, and arrangements are underway for the appointment of an Acting Principal,” the Department said.
The Department condemned any form of abuse against learners, saying schools must be safe havens and that it maintains a zero-tolerance approach to sexual misconduct.
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“The wellbeing of the affected learner remains our foremost priority. The Department will deploy officials from Inclusive Education, including psychologists and social workers, to render psychosocial support to the learner and her family, as well as to classmates and educators,” the statement read.
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The Department commended SAPS for its swift response and said it will fully cooperate with the criminal investigation. An internal investigation has also been instituted and the matter will be referred to the South African Council for Educators (SACE).
The Department appealed to the public not to share the learner’s name, photographs or any information that may lead to her identification, in compliance with the Children’s Act.
As the matter is now before the court, the Department said it will not comment further.
