Mpumalanga Deputy Principal Suspended After Months of Inaction on Abuse Allegations

Four grade 5 pupils in Mpumalanga endured months of trauma as their alleged abuser remained at school despite authorities being alerted. Although the school principal reported the allegations to the regional education director in December, the education department only took action this week following media scrutiny and intervention from the provincial legislature.

Despite serious accusations dating back to December, the deputy principal was only suspended on Wednesday. Education department spokesperson Gerald Sambo confirmed the decision, saying it was necessary to ensure the safety of learners.

“The deputy principal remains on precautionary suspension and will not return to the school until the disciplinary process is finalised,” Sambo stated. He also confirmed that the department would investigate why the accused was allowed to remain at the school for months despite the allegations.

Sambo insisted that the department prioritised the safety of learners. “The department takes these allegations seriously and acted to protect the children,” he said.

Democratic Alliance (DA) spokesperson on education, Annerie Weber, criticised the department’s failure to act sooner, saying it put children at risk.

“For months, these learners were left in an unsafe environment due to inaction by the department. That is unacceptable,” Weber said. She also raised concerns about the lack of a clear policy to handle such cases, noting that similar incidents occur every year.

Weber further questioned why law enforcement had not been involved earlier. “There must be accountability for those who fail to report these crimes. The department cannot investigate itself when children’s rights are at stake.”

Parents of the affected children have expressed frustration over the department’s handling of the case. One parent, speaking anonymously, said they were warned against speaking out.

“We have been told to keep quiet now that the department has acted. But the reality is, we spent months pleading for help while our children were forced to see this man every day at school,” the parent said.

The school, located in Ka-Nyamazane, east of Mbombela, cannot be named to protect the identities of those involved.

While the department has not disclosed details of the allegations, the suspension indicates the seriousness of the matter. Weber believes external pressure played a key role in forcing action.

“If parents had not turned to the legislature, the deputy principal would still be at work,” she said.

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com

Sunday World