MEC threatens action over sex claim school

Durban - The MEC for Education has threatened action against the principal of a KwaZulu-Natal school at which the guidance counsellor allegedly raped and sexually assaulted young boys.

At an emotional meeting on Tuesday, the principal and teachers of the school came under fire for showing “support” for the now fired counsellor, who is in jail pending the outcome of his bail application.

The 32-year-old counsellor, who has a Masters in Psychology from UKZN, is charged with two counts of rape and two of sexual assault against pupils at the school. The pupils were between four and nine years old. Since his arrest, more alleged victims have come forward.

MEC Mthandeni Dlungwane, who attended the counsellor’s bail application this week, made it plain to parents and teachers that he was repulsed by the support the counsellor received at court from teachers of the school. “We are unhappy with the manner in which management has handled this from the beginning,” Dlungwane said, adding that if parents reported that there was inappropriate touching between a teacher and pupil, it should not be taken lightly.

The MEC demanded to know how the counsellor was appointed without being registered with the Health Professionals Council of SA. The principal said that during his interview process, the counsellor indicated that he had already made an application for registration. When the appointment was made, the principal did nothing to verify this.

The MEC has tasked education district manager, Jenny Baijoo, with submitting a full report on the situation to his office by the end of the week.

A parent said it was especially difficult seeing teachers at the school supporting the alleged rapist at court. “How can we send our children back to this school knowing that they support the accused?”

The bail application hearing is set for July 18.