Principal faces action over sexual scandal
School head ‘tried to protect teacher’
Heads are rolling at a farm school in Pyramid, Pretoria, where a maths teacher is facing sexual assault charges after nine pupils complained that he had molested them.
Yesterday, Gauteng department of education said it would institute disciplinary action against Kodumela Primary School principal Mapula Rammuki. This came after the alleged sex pest teacher at the school was also suspended.
A whistle-blower alerted the department that Rammuki had tried to cover up the sex assault allegations when they were first reported to her.
Department spokesman Steve Mabona confirmed yesterday that they were not happy with the principal’s conduct in the matter. “As such, we are finalising necessary disciplinary processes against her accordingly,” he said.
Sowetan revealed last week how pupils at the school complained about the teacher fondling them in class. Their parents have since opened criminal charges against him.
The pupils also detailed how the principal and the school governing body (SGB) failed them, and told them to alter their statements to protect the accused teacher.
DA Gauteng spokesman on education Khume Ramulifho lambasted the school’s disciplinary process.
“It is unacceptable that this should happen at our schools. The matter not being escalated shows a lack of leadership, the principal should have acted in a swift manner. She should have referred this to someone senior,” Ramulifho said.
Parents expressed relief yesterday after hearing that the teacher has been suspended.
One of the parents, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “I am glad that the teacher has been suspended, my child can be protected at school. He must be prosecuted. He asked for this and he must account for his sins.”
Another victim’s mother said: “I feel good. I am happy that my child will no longer be harassed. [But] I will be happier after the hearings and when he is found guilty.”
A father of one of the victims said he hoped the suspension of the teacher would serve as a lesson for others.
“Although it is sad that he will lose his job, I hope he will not do anything like this anymore.”