Principal accused of raping colleague

A PHOENIX school principal faces suspension following allegations of rape.

The 54-year old man allegedly raped a 39-year-old clerk at a school in Phoenix on Monday.

The primary school principal was arrested and charged with rape and appeared in the Verulam Magistrate’s court.

Kwazi Mthethwa, spokesperson for the education department, confirmed that they would be suspending the principal.

“We are definitely going to suspend him, and we are adamant about that. We can’t accept women being raped and victimised. He is the head of the school, and it is really disappointing that he is facing such serious allegations,” Mthethwa said.

He said it was disturbing to hear such allegations during the 16 days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence on Women and Children campaign.

Mthethwa said the department had no place for rapists as some educators were expelled for having sexual relations with learners.

Vee Gani, chairperson of the Parents Association in Durban, said they hope that the Education Department would do what is necessary to deal with this matter.

“It’s sad to hear these allegations during the 16 days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence on Women and Children. We trust that police will work hard to bring justice because women and children should be protected, not abused, and a school should be a safe place,” Gani said.

Police spokesperson, Colonel Thembeka Mbhele said a 54-yearold man was arrested for rape allegations.

“A 39-year-old woman was allegedly raped by a known suspect while at her workplace. A case of rape is being investigated by Phoenix Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit,” Mbele said.