Despite the Gauteng Department of Education stressing its policy of zero tolerance for any form of misconduct, Alberton SAPS have since confirmed an arrest of a learner on sexual assault charges.

The police are investigating allegations of a Grade 12 male learner from Parklands High School allegedly sexually harassing a female learner from the school.

Speaking for Alberton SAPS, Captain Manare Ramotshela confirmed that on June 13 the suspect was detained for sexual assault.

“The victim came to the station and relayed the incident to the police, who assisted her to open a case. The suspect was later arrested. Police are investigating.”

He reiterated that their members are always available to assist the community.

Several issues have since come to light after a student-teacher from the school noted what she described as a shocking discovery before contacting the Alberton Record.

“There is a Grade 12 learner sexually harassing female learners. Learners reported this matter to the principal earlier and the principal did not attend to the matter. The learners went to Alberton SAPS and they were not helpful and told her to go to Palm Ridge,” she explained.

She said learners are traumatised and it is really sad that the ‘system is so broken’ and that there is no support for learners in the school.

“Parklands High School is a mess. Learners are always roaming around during class and the principal is failing dismally to keep the school together. Teachers say that when they suggest anything to the principal he shuts it down,” she said.

The student-teacher also told the Alberton Record the school is corrupt.

She said learners are being set up for failure, made to feel small and insecure with the bullying they get from other educators in the school.

Department’s input

Steve Mabona of the Gauteng Department of Education said they are aware of the allegations of a boy who allegedly sexually harassed a female learner.

“Considering that the alleged victim’s mother had subsequently reported the matter to the police, the school conducted a disciplinary hearing pending the outcome of the police investigation. Psycho-social support was offered to all affected learners,” he said.

The department, he said, refutes the allegations that the school is a mess.

“On the contrary, the school has made considerable progress since the department effected leadership change at this school. The new principal is working tirelessly with his team to ensure that the school is running smoothly,” explained Mabona.

He reiterated that the GDE has a policy of zero-tolerance for bullying or any form of misconduct.

Mabona said anyone found to be transgressing this policy would be dealt with in line with the South African Schools Act’s code of conduct that governs all schools.

“Schools are urged to enforce their codes of conduct to deal with bullying and other disciplinary matters. The department continues to appeal to parents in assisting to enforce discipline in and outside the school environment,” he said.