The entrance to Khangela Primary School in Delmas, where the principal has been suspended following his arrest over allegations of sexually assaulting a learner. Image: Google Maps screenshot.
The Mpumalanga Department of Education has suspended the principal of a primary school in Delmas, within the Victor Khanye Local Municipality, with immediate effect following his arrest over allegations of sexually assaulting an 11-year-old learner.
The department condemned abuse against learners and said schools must remain safe spaces for every child.
Its Inclusive Education team, including social workers and psychologists, has been deployed to provide psychosocial support to the learner, her family, and affected learners and teachers.
An acting principal will be appointed to ensure teaching and learning continue.
The department commended police for their swift response and said it would cooperate with law enforcement.
It appealed to the community to remain calm, allow the legal process to proceed and protect the child by not sharing her name, photograph or any identifying information on social media.
The department said it would not comment further as the matter is before court.