EC teachers suspended over sexual misconduct allegations

A parent (49), who is also the mother of one of 12 pupils at Bonkolo High School who were sexually assaulted by two teachers, said that she was shocked by what occurred to the children because she believed that they were safe at school.

“My child never informed me of this. She kept it hidden until the news got out. These teachers are cruel for abusing our children. The children trust their teachers.

“I’m telling you that to them, their teachers are like parents. Who will protect them if they are not protected by them?” added the parent who spoke to I’solezwe and is anonymous in order to protect the victim.

She continued by saying she approves of the Department of Education’s decision on the teachers, despite the fact that she wishes they had been fired and furthermore arrested so that they could spend the rest of their lives in prison. The Eastern Cape Department of Education has suspended two teachers who are accused of sexually assaulting pupils.

According to Mali Mtima, the department’s spokesperson, the two teachers are from Bonkolo High School in Dutywa. They have been suspended pending an investigation into the charges against them. Mtima said that according to reports, the teachers are accused of sexually assaulting 12 pupils between the ages of 17 and 18.

The teachers violated the regulations governing how they conduct themselves at work. The teachers engaged in six forms of serious misconduct, including engaging in sexual activity with pupils, beating them to the point of bodily harm, using drugs, and even being caught exploiting pupils in prohibited activities.

“What transpired stunned us. Can you imagine, teachers are being investigated for such heinous things. Abusing 12 pupils in one school.

“This means that there are numerous serious issues at this school. Strong action must be taken by the department. During the course of an internal investigation, we sent out social workers to help pupils. This is unacceptable, and everyone must condemn it,” said Fundie Gade, the MEC for Education in the Eastern Cape.

Gade urged the residents to assist the victims, stating that it is a trying time because pupils are writing their crucial mid-year examinations.