Prior to that, the learner is said to have made several attempts to collect her phone but the suspect was not available.

“When she returned to collect her cellphone on the day of the incident, the principal allegedly instructed her to come alone to his office. The victim informed her friend to wait outside before returning to the office, where the suspect allegedly touched her inappropriately and sexually assaulted her,” the Limpopo police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba’s statement read.

Mashaba said the victim reported the incident to her family, who then alerted the Lebowakgomo Police Station on Wednesday (August 20).

“The case was immediately referred to the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit, and the suspect was arrested and charged with sexual assault,” Mashaba said.

The provincial police commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, expressed her concern over the incident, stating: “It is deeply disturbing when those entrusted with the care and education of our children allegedly abuse their positions of authority. Schools should be safe havens for learning, not places where children fear for their safety.”