Key points
- A teacher accused of grooming sent explicit TikTok messages to a 12-year-old.
- Parents are demanding swift removal and greater transparency from authorities.
- An investigation by the education department and police remains ongoing.
Allegations spark outrage among parents and community
Authorities charged a teacher accused of sending explicit messages to a 12-year-old pupil on TikTok with child grooming.
Muzi Mahlambi, spokesperson for the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education, confirmed Tuesday that the teacher had previously faced suspension for a similar incident at another school.
Mahlambi explained that the latest complaint surfaced on April 5. The principal received the report immediately and escalated it to the circuit manager on the same day. “An investigation took place, and the findings and recommendations now sit with the department’s head for action,” Mahlambi said. “The department strongly condemns such alleged behavior by teachers.”
Details of the alleged messages
The teacher accused of grooming reportedly sent sexually suggestive messages via TikTok to the Grade 7 pupil in early April. He allegedly asked her, “Do you use one finger or two?” and followed with, “I asked which finger you use on yourself.”
The pupil replied, “You’re so dirty-minded. I don’t use any finger.” In response, the teacher allegedly insisted that she keep their conversation secret. “Listen, please promise me you won’t tell anybody, and I mean NOBODY that you chat to me,” he said.
On Tuesday morning, concerned parents and community members gathered outside Pitlochry Primary School in Westville. They demanded answers from the school management and questioned why the teacher had not yet been arrested.
Colonel Robert Netshiunda, spokesperson for the provincial police, confirmed that Sydenham SAPS opened a case and launched an investigation into the matter.
Parents demand swift action and transparency
Veran Jankee, a parent of two pupils at the school, stressed the need for children’s safety. “We want our children to be safe. Such predators should not have access to children,” he said.
Thankfully, he added, the victim’s parent noticed changes in her behavior and reported the matter.
Nerusha Maharaj, mother of a Grade 5 pupil, criticized the lack of immediate communication from the school. “Weeks have passed, and we only heard about it on the news. Transparency is critical,” she said.
Furthermore, Maharaj expressed concern about the school’s decision to move the teacher to administrative work. “He was still on the premises. How did that protect our children?” she asked.
Another parent, Neema Keshav, shared her fear for the students’ safety. “We send our children to school to build a bright future, not to face darkness like this,” she said.
Dinesh Ramsunder, whose child is in Grade 5, urged authorities to speed up the investigation. “We must stand up for all children. This case must not be dragged out,” he said.
Calls for accountability and decisive action
Ward 23 Councillor Alicia Kissoon said several distressed parents approached her for assistance. “The protest highlights a broader cry for transparency and urgent action,” she said.
Moreover, she stressed the need to handle the case with seriousness and sensitivity to protect the privacy of the minor involved.
Thirona Moodley, CEO of the National Professional Teachers’ Organisation of SA in KwaZulu-Natal, condemned any sexual advances between teachers and pupils. “Teachers act as stand-in parents at school. Exploiting pupils is unacceptable,” she said.
However, Moodley emphasized the importance of allowing a full investigation before reaching final conclusions.
The investigation into the teacher accused of grooming remains ongoing.
