A school principal in Graaff-Reinet in the Eastern Cape is in custody on a charge of sexual grooming and rape.

According to an article published by Graaff-Reinet Advertiser, Warrant Officer Majola Nkohli, the spokesperson for SAPS in the Sarah Baartman district, says according to police records, the man was arrested on Monday following the alleged rape of a learner.

The accused briefly appeared in the Graaff-Reinet Magistrate’s Court on a charge of rape on the same day.

In addition to the charge of rape, the accused was also charged with sexual grooming.

He was remanded in custody, and the case was postponed to Monday for a bail application.

CPF deeply disturbed

Anele Ngoyo, chairperson of the Graaff-Reinet CPF, emphasised that the CPF is deeply disturbed by the alleged incident and strongly condemns any form of violence, exploitation or abuse, particularly when it involves vulnerable individuals, such as learners.

“We believe that every learner has the right to a safe and secure learning environment,” he says.

“We stand in full support of the learner and her family during this traumatic time and want to assure them that they are not alone.”

Ngoyo demanded that the school and relevant authorities take immediate action to ensure the safety and well-being of the learner and provide counselling and support services.

“The CPF is committed to working with the school, law enforcement and other stakeholders to ensure that justice is served and that our learners are protected,” he says.

In response to Graaff-Reinet Advertiser’s request for comment, DA member of the Provincial Legislature and Shadow MEC of Education, Horatio Hendricks, expressed outrage over the allegations.

A request for comment was sent to the chairperson of the school involved and to the spokesperson of the Eastern Cape Department of Education, Malibongwe Mtima, but no response was received at the time of publishing.

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