Bronkhorstspruit – A deputy principal of a Bronkhorstspruit primary school arrested on suspicion of raping an 8-year-old schoolgirl has been freed on bail.
Even with the prosecutor opposing bail, the Bronkhorstspruit Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 19 September 2025, granted the 53-year-old deputy principal bail of R5 000.
However, the court imposed strict conditions, including that the accused must report to the Bronkhorstspruit Police Station twice weekly on Mondays and Fridays (between 06:00 AM and 06:00 PM), refraining from contacting the complainant or her family, inform the investigating officer of any address change, and attend court as ordered.
Allegations were that between June 2024 and August 2025, the accused raped the child on three occasions during school hours on school premises.
The abuse came to light when the mother noticed the child walking strangely and, upon inquiry, the child disclosed the incidents.
The mother reported the matter to the police, which led to the accused’s arrest on 1 September 2025.
In court, Prosecutor Mantshadi Tumelo Ledwaba opposed the accused’s release on bail, arguing that the accused was a flight risk and was facing serious offences.
The accused was facing three charges of rape.
Nevertheless, the magistrate found exceptional circumstances justifying his release on bail.
National Prosecuting Authority Gauteng Spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said the matter was adjourned to 24 October 2025.
