Cape Town – The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education (DoE) has completed its investigation into allegations that a teacher at Pitlochry Primary School in Westville sent sexually explicit messages to a Grade 7 learner.
According to a report by IOL on Wednesday, the findings are now with the head of department for review and possible action.
The case, first reported on April 5, prompted protests from parents and local residents who demanded the immediate removal of the teacher.
The report also said that the Sydenham police have opened a child grooming case related to the incident.
DoE spokesperson Muzi Mahlambi condemned the alleged behaviour.
“We are very disappointed as the department to have such a character teaching our learners. The department frowns at such behaviour,” the report quoted him as saying.
In an interview with Highway Mail, Veran Jankee, a parent with two children at the school, revealed that the explicit messages were sent to the learner via TikTok during the school holidays. Jankee expressed frustration that the issue surfaced on social media before the school had informed parents.
“The matter was reported by the child’s mother and there are ongoing investigations. The teacher was removed from teaching children but could not be removed from the school as the school was waiting for the department’s outcome on the investigation,” said Jankee.
The report further mentioned that a letter sent to parents stated: “As the school we have been handling this matter in conjunction with the circuit manager from the department of education as well as other bodies, in a confidential manner and according to the protocols of the department of education, in order to protect the learner and our other learners.
“The safety of all Pitlochry learners was our number one priority from the start.”
Raymond Methraj Sakloo, leader of the National Dialogue Front, also weighed in, voicing his support for parents demanding the teacher’s removal. In a Facebook post, he said:
“The travesty of justice the school governing body and the principal Mr Padayachee have been silent in regards this serious allegation and the National Dialogue Front do not trust the Department of Education because they were aware of this incident for approximately two weeks but failed to suspend, criminally charge or dismissed the perpetrator over child grooming allegations.”
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