The Limpopo Department of Education has suspended, with immediate effect, a 51-year-old Capricorn District school principal, who is accused of sexually assaulting a 17-year-old Grade 12 learner.

The Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on Thursday granted the principal bail of R3,000.

Limpopo Education MEC Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya expressed grave concern over the arrest.

“The accusation is a setback to the efforts taken to address gender-based violence and the rights of learners,” she said.

Departmental spokesperson Mike Maringa confirmed the principal’s immediate suspension and said an investigation into the matter would be launched.

“The department will not make further comments on the matter that is before court,” Maringa said.

He added that the department will offer psycho-social support and counseling to the learner.

IOL News reported on Thursday that the principal appeared in court and was released on bail.

The Regional Spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Mashudu Dzhangi Malabi, explained that on August 11, 2025, the victim was playing with her cellphone during lessons when her Life Orientation teacher took it and gave it to the school principal.

“On August 16, 2025, during the extra-lessons classes, the victim went to the principal’s office to retrieve her cellphone. That’s when the principal sexually assaulted the unsuspecting victim by kissing her,” she said.

Dzhangi said the victim then reported the incident to her mother, who accompanied her to the police station to report it. The accused was subsequently arrested.

The principal’s bail conditions stipulate that he must not interfere with state witnesses and police investigations, nor commit a schedule one offence.

“He was also informed that failure to appear may lead to his bail being cancelled and bail money forfeited to the state,” Dzhangi added.

“The state did not oppose the application since it is a Schedule 1 offence and subject to the conditions imposed.”

The matter was postponed to October 20, 2025, for further investigation.

simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za

IOL News

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