MPUMALANGA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION RESPONDS TO ALLEGATIONS OF SEXUAL ASSAULT IN EMBALENHLE

The Mpumalanga Department of Education has noted with deep concern the allegations of sexual assault of learners by a teacher at a school in eMbalenhle, Secunda in the Govan Mbeki Local Municipality.

The Department takes such allegations with the utmost seriousness and condemns any form of sexual misconduct in the strongest possible terms.

In line with due process and in the best interest of the learners, the implicated teacher has been placed on suspension with immediate effect, pending the outcome of a full investigation. 

This is to safeguard the rights and wellbeing of the affected learners while ensuring the integrity of the legal process.

The Department will be working closely with law enforcement authorities to ensure that those responsible are held fully accountable in accordance with the law. 

Sexual assault is a grave criminal offence, and the Department will not hesitate to cooperate with all relevant institutions to secure justice for the victims.

Furthermore, the Department has activated its psychosocial support services to provide counselling and continuous care to the learners and families affected by this incident. Protecting the dignity, mental health, and educational progress of learners remains our highest priority.

While we understand the shock and anger this matter may cause, the Department calls upon the community to remain calm, to refrain from any unlawful actions, and to allow the legal processes to take their course. 

The Department equally appeal to parents, learners, and all stakeholders to come forward with any information that may assist in the investigations. 

The Department of Education reaffirms its commitment to creating safe, learning and teaching environment which is free from all forms of abuse, violence, and exploitation.

The Department will monitor the situation very closely.