Grade 7 Pupil, 14, Faces Criminal Case for Attempting to Inappropriately Touch a Teacher, 32 in South Africa
BOTSHABELO, FREE STATE — More details have emerged in the case of a 14-year-old Grade 7 pupil who allegedly sexually harassed a teacher in the Free State.
According to Sowetan and eNCA reports published on Sunday, the incident occurred on 27 October at Dibeng-sa-Tsebo Primary School in Botshabelo.
It is alleged that the learner attempted to inappropriately touch a 32-year-old female educator.
Free State Department of Education spokesperson Howard Ndaba confirmed the incident, saying: “It is alleged that on October 27 the learner attempted to inappropriately touch the educator. The 32-year-old educator acted swiftly to protect herself.”
Ndaba said school management immediately separated the pupil and teacher and placed them in safe spaces, informed the pupil’s parents, and reported the matter to the police.
A criminal case has also been opened and is being investigated.
The teacher, who the Department said is unwell and remains off-duty, has been provided with psychosocial support.
The matter was reported to the school governing body and its disciplinary committee on 29 October.
The pupil’s formal disciplinary hearing is scheduled for Thursday, 5 November at 9am at Dibeng-sa-Tsebo Primary School.
Free State Education MEC MJ Maboya condemned the incident, saying teachers should be able to work without fearing for their safety.
“We will not tolerate the abuse of teachers in our schools. Our classrooms must be safe spaces for learners and educators. An attack on a teacher is an attack on education itself. No teacher should go to school fearing for their safety and dignity,” Maboya said.