By Mulatedzi Nemushungwa
Photo credit: Supplied
BOTSHABELO – A 14-year-old Grade 7 learner at Dibeng-sa-Tsebo Primary School in Botshabelo is facing disciplinary action after allegedly attempting to touch a female teacher inappropriately, prompting a police investigation and intervention by the Free State Department of Education.
The incident, which reportedly occurred on the school’s premises in the Mangaung Metropolitan District, involved a 32-year-old educator.
According to the Free State Department of Education, the learner allegedly attempted to touch the teacher without her consent. The educator reportedly managed to protect herself during the incident.
School management subsequently informed the learner’s guardians, initiated internal disciplinary procedures and reported the matter to the South African Police Service (SAPS).
The case has since been referred to the School Governing Body (SGB) and its disciplinary committee.
The department confirmed that the incident has had an impact on the educator’s well-being. She is reportedly unwell and remains away from work.
Psychosocial support services have been arranged to assist the teacher following the alleged incident.
Free State Education MEC Dr Mamiki Julia Maboya condemned the alleged conduct, saying the department would not tolerate the abuse of educators.
“We will not tolerate the abuse of teachers in our schools. Our classrooms must be safe spaces for both learners and educators. An attack on a teacher is an attack on education itself,” Maboya said.
The MEC emphasised the importance of ensuring that schools remain safe environments for both teachers and learners.
The incident has renewed concerns about educator safety and discipline in schools, raising questions about the protection available to teachers who experience harassment or violence in the workplace.
The learner’s identity has been withheld because he is a minor.
The police investigation and the school’s disciplinary process are ongoing.
