Johannesburg. A 57‑year‑old educator at a secondary school in Alexandra has been placed on precautionary suspension after allegations that he sent sexual messages and made advances to a 17‑year‑old Grade 12 pupil, the Gauteng Department of Education confirmed on Saturday.
Police investigating; pupil has made a statement
Gauteng education spokesperson Onwabile Lubhelwana said the alleged communication began in June 2026 and continued via WhatsApp and other interactions. The department said the pupil has made a statement and that the South African Police Service (SAPS) is investigating the matter.
“This pupil has been receiving texts from this educator. The educator communicates with her, making sexual advances. These include asking the pupil out and that he is going to marry her,” said Lubhelwana.
The educator’s suspension is described as precautionary and will remain in place while a formal departmental investigation runs its course.
Learners protest outside school
The case escalated when pupils staged a protest outside the school on Tuesday, demanding the removal of the teacher and expressing concern about learner safety. The demonstration disrupted teaching and learning.
Lubhelwana said the learners were seeking assurance that the department would move promptly, investigate the allegations and take steps to protect children. He added that the protesters also wanted assurance that, if found guilty, the educator would be placed on the National Register for Sex Offenders to prevent future contact with minors.
MEC calls for thorough, impartial probe
Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Lebogang Maile, described the allegations as deeply concerning and reiterated that the safety, dignity and wellbeing of pupils must be prioritised. He emphasised that educators occupy positions of trust and that any inappropriate conduct towards learners must be investigated without fear or favour.
Maile also expressed concern about the disruption to teaching and learning amid the protest and urged that the investigative process be fair and seen to be fair by the school community.
What is known — a timeline
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Alleged contact begins | June 2026 — WhatsApp and other interactions reported |
| Pupil statement | Pupil made a statement to the police; SAPS investigating |
| Precautionary suspension | 57‑year‑old teacher suspended pending departmental inquiry |
| Protest | Tuesday — learners protested outside the school, disrupting classes |
Community concerns and practical questions
Parents and learners in Alexandra raised two immediate concerns: the speed and transparency of the departmental and police responses, and the safety measures in place while the investigation continues. Learners called for clear communication about steps being taken and for mechanisms to ensure learners are protected from educators found to have abused their position.
- Precautionary suspension means the teacher is temporarily removed from duties until the investigation concludes.
- SAPS will determine whether criminal charges are pursued after reviewing the pupil’s statement and evidence.
- If an educator is found to have committed sexual offences against a learner, listing on the National Register for Sex Offenders is an available mechanism to restrict future contact with children.
The Gauteng education department did not provide further detail about the school's name, the teacher's identity, or the exact nature of the messages, citing the ongoing investigation and the privacy of the minor involved.
Broader context
Allegations of sexual misconduct in schools periodically surface across provinces, prompting calls from civil society and parents for stronger safeguarding policies and stricter enforcement. Education authorities say they are committed to ensuring schools are safe spaces where learners are protected and respected.
For now, the case in Alexandra remains under formal inquiry by the department and under criminal investigation by SAPS. The department has reiterated its stance that any proven misconduct by an educator will be dealt with decisively to protect learners and uphold trust in the school system.
Further updates are expected as the police and the Gauteng Department of Education complete their respective processes.
