Delmas – A senior educator at Khangela Primary School in Botleng, near Delmas, Mpumalanga, has been suspended following his arrest for allegedly sexually assaulting an 11-year-old schoolgirl.
Spokesperson Gerald Sambo, on Friday,23 October 2026, said the Mpumalanga Department of Education has launched an internal probe into the allegations.
Sambo said the matter would also be referred to the South African Council for Educators (SACE).
He said the department, together with the school governing body, was in the process of appointing an acting principal.
Sambo said the educator has been placed on precautionary suspension with immediate effect following his arrest by the police.
“This action has been taken in accordance with the Employment of Educators Act and is intended to protect the integrity of the investigation, safeguard the wellbeing of learners, and ensure that teaching and learning continue in a safe and stable environment.”
Sambo said the department was disappointed by the educator’s alleged behaviour.
“The department condemns any form of abuse, harassment or sexual violence against learners in the strongest possible terms,” Sambo said.
“Schools must be safe havens for learning and development, and the Department maintains a zero-tolerance approach to any form of sexual misconduct by its employees.
“Any official found to have violated the trust placed in them will face both the full disciplinary process of the department and the criminal justice system.”
Sambo said he could not divulge details of the matter to avoid jeopardising police investigations into the matter.
“We appeal to the school community and members of the public to remain calm and to allow the law to take its course, while respecting the rights and dignity of the child,” Sambo said.
“As the matter is now before the court, the department will not be commenting further on the merits of the case.”
