Key Points
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A 58-year-old teacher was arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a 13-year-old student.
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The MEC condemned the teacher’s actions, stressing the duty of educators to protect students.
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The incident has sparked renewed calls for stronger child protection policies in schools.
A 58-year-old teacher from Limpopo has been arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a 13-year-old learner on Tuesday, March 25.
The teacher was found with the young girl in his school office, leading to his immediate arrest and a full investigation.
MEC Calls for Stronger Safeguards in Schools
Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya, the Limpopo MEC for Education, strongly condemned the teacher’s actions, emphasizing the sacred duty educators have to protect and guide their students.
“A teacher’s responsibility is to nurture and protect, not harm,” said Lerule-Ramakhanya. “Learners should feel safe with their teachers, who serve as role models and second parents.”
Swift Action from Authorities
The provincial Education Department responded quickly, sending a team to the school to provide psycho-social support to the victim and other students affected by the incident.
Law enforcement authorities also acted swiftly, arresting the teacher and beginning an investigation into the assault. The MEC expressed her gratitude for the quick response from law enforcement.
Severe Consequences for Educators
Lerule-Ramakhanya highlighted the serious repercussions that any educator found guilty of such behavior would face, including possible dismissal under the Employment of Educators Act and the South African Council of Educators’ code of conduct.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim and her family,” she said, urging communities to stay alert and report any behavior that could put students at risk.
Renewed Calls for Child Protection
As the investigation progresses, the incident has reignited calls for stricter enforcement of child protection policies in schools.
The MEC called on school communities to be proactive in ensuring the safety of their children and to work together to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.
