PONELOPELE Oracle Secondary in Kaalfontein, Midrand, has been hit by a sexual harassment scandal.
This is after a Grade 10 boy pupil allegedly sexually harassed two Grade 8 girl pupils after school on Tuesday, 6 September and Wednesday, 7 September.
The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has since condemned the allegations.
The department’s spokesperson Steve Mabona said the incidents were only reported to the principal on Thursday.
“The school called in the victims’ parents and the perpetrator’s to inform them of the incident, all of whom were not aware of the allegations.
“Subsequently, on Friday, 9 September, another parent of a Grade 8 girl pupil at the school reported a case of sexual harassment of her child by two Grade 10 boy pupils and one Grade 11 boy pupil,” said Mabona.
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The GDE said psycho-social support was provided to the victims and their parents by district officials and disciplinary hearings have been scheduled.
Police are investigating circumstances surrounding the allegations.
Gauteng Education MEC, Panyaza Lesufi, said: “We condemn, in the strongest possible sense, any ill-discipline in our schools. Such behaviour will never be tolerated.
“Indeed, these cases are worrisome. Any pupil or employee, who is reported to have sexually harassed anyone on our school premises, will face the necessary disciplinary action and can possibly be removed from our school.
“We urge victims or witnesses to report such cases so they can be dealt with immediately.”
