A teacher from a school in Tumahole appeared in the Parys Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, facing charges of alleged sexual assault and rape, said to have occurred in 2022. He will remain in custody till his next court appearance on Monday for a formal bail application.

In a statement, the Department of Education reacted saying the safety of learners is “non-negotiable” and expressed deep concern over the allegations involving an educator at the school. The department emphasised that the dignity and well-being of learners remain its highest priority, and that any form of gender-based violence or exploitation within schools
is treated with the utmost seriousness.

According to the department’s spokesperson Howard Ndaba, district officials were immediately deployed to the school once the allegations were received, activating safeguarding protocols.

Measures were introduced to support affected learners and to determine whether school
management had followed all mandatory reporting procedures.

Under the Children’s Act and the Sexual Offences and Related Matters Amendment Act, any adult in a school environment who becomes aware of sexual abuse involving a minor is legally
required to report it to the SAPS without delay. Failure to do so is a criminal offence.

The department reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing these requirements and warned that officials who fail to meet their obligations will face firm action.

Investigators are currently trying to establish how long the allegations were known within the school, whether appropriate steps were taken, and whether learners received proper psychosocial support.

“This incident comes at a time when the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education has been calling for stricter adherence to mandatory reporting, especially in cases involving statutory rape and sexual misconduct in schools,” the department said.

“The Free State Department of Education fully supports this stance and will intensify enforcement across all districts.” Ndaba added that the department is working closely with
police, the Department of Social Development, and professional psychosocial teams to ensure that affected learners receive counselling, trauma debriefing, and ongoing support.

He said that any official found to have acted negligently or outside safeguarding protocols will
face disciplinary action.

“Gender-based violence remains one of the most urgent threats to learner safety and school stability,” Ndaba said. “The department stands with survivors and urges parents, educators, community members, and learners to report abuse. Silence enables perpetrators – speaking out protects children.”

Thousands of South Africans, including Ngwathe residents on November 21 united
against gender-based violence ahead of the G20 Summit.