TimesLIVE reports that seven teachers from St John’s College in Mthatha have been placed on precautionary suspension pending an investigation into allegations that they had sexual relationships with and impregnated pupils at the school.
On Monday, teaching and learning came to a halt at the school, as learners protested and shut down the college, demanding justice for their peers. The Eastern Cape Education Department’s spokesperson Malibongwe Mtima said a formal investigation would start on Monday, with three female investigators conducting the sexual harassment allegations. Other issues will be dealt with by other investigators. “Additionally, the police have also advised the victims of sexual harassment and abuse to open a case at the police station themselves and not the department. They also assisted to manage the pupils who tried to burn classes, hostels and the school generator,” he stated.
The allegations made by pupils during the meeting with the department included sexual harassment and victimisation by teachers of pupils, leading to death threats. Pupils have also alleged corruption; less provision of nutrition to pupils; drunk teachers; and drug abuse by pupils and teachers at the school. Mtima added the department has activated psychosocial support for affected pupils to ensure they got debriefing and counselling by psychologists and social workers.
- Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Shonisani Tshikalange at DailyDispatch
- Read too a report at SABC News
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