UPDATE: Protesters demand principal’s head after child was allegedly sexually molested by other pupils
Education department vows to take action against residents who disrupt teaching.
The Education Department has vowed to stand behind the Shakaskraal Primary School principal after a crowd of angry residents closed the school this morning and demanded the principal be removed.
Both the primary and secondary schools were closed today due to the protest that saw the road closed with burning tires and tree branches.
The protesters were also demanding that the school governing body be dissolved.
This comes after allegations of sexual abuse of a six-year-old girl by two grade six boys at the school’s toilets two months ago.
Also read: Child molested in school toilets – Groutville
Secretary of ward 28’s youth working committee Blessing Mhlongo said they feel the governing body and principal are dragging their feet on this matter.
“We also want the SGB to be dissolved because the election of the current SGB was fraudulent,” said Mhlongo.
The KZN education department however said they would not tolerate the disruption of valuable teaching time.
“We sympathize with the victim, we condemn the perpetrators’ behaviour and we will ensure that the law takes its course.
“Those who are blocking the roads and stopping pupils from getting an education will be dealt with.
“The principal will not be removed. We don’t use anarchy to employ our staff so whoever wants to use anarchy to remove them will have action taken against them,” said KZN education spokesperson Kwazi Mthethwa.
Umhlali police spokesperson Captain Vinny Pillay said the case was still under investigation.
“The child was waiting for transport after school when two 12-year-old boys allegedly took her into the school toilets where they sexually assaulted her.
“The principal did alert the police and the case remains under investigation,” said Pillay.
Pillay said the school should reopen tomorrow but there were rumours that the protesters planned to return.
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