PRIMARY SCHOOL SEX PEST SHOCK

A SPECIALISED police unit is leading an investigation into sexual molestation incidents at Veldenvlei Primary School.

This follows damning reports that a 22-year-old male support staff member, who was appointed by the School Governing Body (SGB), is believed to have touched and fondled at least seven boys.

At least two of the young pupils are reportedly receiving counselling and psychological evaluation.

Both parents and teachers at Veldenvlei Primary School were shocked at the disclosure, which came to the fore following an internal investigation conducted by the school.

According to Riaan van Tilburg, SGB Chairman, events unfolded some two weeks ago.

‘The allegations surfaced after a learner in the Junior Phase at the school informed a member of the school management of the misconduct by the support staff member.

‘The school immediately contacted the boy’s parents and advised them of what had happened.’

Van Tilburg said during the internal investigation, conducted the following day, it was ascertained that other learners had also been affected.

‘The preliminary inquiry carried through into the weekend as the extent of the allegations warranted a thorough investigation.’

This included looking for potential incriminating evidence in computers at the IT laboratory, where the support staff member, who had been employed by the school for the past four years, worked as an assistant.

‘Once the school had established all the facts, the parents of the affected learners were contacted on Monday morning.

‘A Situation Report was also compiled and sent to our Sector Education Manager Team as well the Department of Education.

‘When confronted, the teaching assistant in question had further agreed to hand in his resignation on the day.’

Van Tilburg added that lessons warning children of inappropriate adult behaviour were an ongoing part of the Life Skills curriculum and formed a crucial part during the internal investigation of the allegations.

‘Our concern is that there are people like this out there and children need to be educated about such inappropriate behaviour from a young age.

‘We are very proud and grateful that our learners are confident and aware enough to report these types of incidents to our teachers in a timeous manner to ensure that we could act efficiently, decisively and immediately.

‘The safety and well-being of the learners and the community are our priority,’ said Van Tilburg.

With what has been met with some controversy from certain parents, the school offered the services of an internal counsellor, a counsellor appointed by DoE or the option to source a counsellor at their own cost.

‘This is a matter that had to be discussed at a Governing Body Meeting because it has to do with financial matters.

‘The SGB did indicate possible counselling options to the parents of the affected learners,’ Van Tilburg said.

King Cetshwayo District Director for Education, David Chonco, said his department had been made aware of the incident and was investigating.

The Empangeni SAPS Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) unit are handling the investigation.