The Ministry of Education has strongly condemned an alleged sexual assault involving learners at Wilhelm Nortier Primary School in Grootfontein, describing the incident as shocking and unacceptable.

In a press statement issued by Executive Director Mbumba Haitengela, the ministry said it had recently become aware of the alleged abuse involving boys at the school. Haitengela said the ministry views the matter in a very serious light and will work closely with the police to ensure justice is served.

“The ministry condemns this criminal act in the strongest possible terms and will cooperate fully with law enforcement authorities to ensure that the perpetrator is brought to justice,” Haitengela said.

According to the ministry, the teacher accused in the case has been arrested and remains in police custody. Investigations at the school are still ongoing. However, the alleged perpetrator has already tendered his resignation.

While the matter is now before the courts and subject to due legal process, Haitengela said the ministry wants to assure parents and the public that the safety of learners remains a top priority.

“Our officials are working closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure that all affected learners receive the necessary protection and psychosocial support,” he said.

Haitengela stressed that the ministry does not tolerate any form of abuse against learners, noting that such acts go against the moral and ethical values upheld by the education sector and the nation as a whole.

“The ministry does not condone any form of abuse against learners, as such acts go against the moral and ethical values that we uphold as a ministry and as a nation,” he said.

The ministry has appealed to the Grootfontein community and the public at large to remain calm and allow the investigation to follow proper legal channels.

Haitengela reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to safe schools, saying it remains “unwaveringly committed to ensuring safe, supportive and accountable learning environments for all learners across the country.”

Between 2010 and 2020, the education ministry charged 34 teachers from across the country with sexual misconduct for either being romantically involved with learners or sexually harassing those under their tutelage.

Those found guilty were subsequently banned from the teaching profession for a period of eight years.

The media reported that between 2010 and 2020, a total of 34 teachers across the country were charged with misconduct for violating the teaching profession’s code of conduct.

“The ministry reported 34 cases of sexual harassment or sexual relationships between teachers and learners countrywide during the period,” the minister of education, Sanet Steenkamp, revealed.

The number of teachers guilty of this practise could, however, be much higher as some cases are not reported, with learners afraid to speak out or afraid to lose the affections of the involved teacher.