MITCHELLS PLAIN, Cape Town – A Grade R teacher from Mitchells Plain is at the centre of a disturbing case, accused of sexual grooming and sending explicit material to a 13-year-old Grade 7 pupil. The 35-year-old, formerly employed at Harvester Primary School in Westridge, Mitchells Plain, made her first appearance at the Mitchells Plain Magistrates Court last Friday.
The scandal erupted after the school principal, on 7 June, requested to see the Grade 7 learner’s phone, a move that uncovered alleged explicit nude images and videos sent by the teacher.
It is alleged that the communication began on TikTok and later moved to WhatsApp, where the teacher reportedly sent the child sexually explicit videos of herself pleasuring her punani with her hand.
The teacher appeared in the Mitchells Plain Magistrate's Court for sexual harassment and child grooming.
The matter returns to court on 23 June for bail application. The accused remains in custody until then.
The State revealed that the alleged misconduct began on the evening of 25 May 2025. Reports indicate that the teacher reached out to the minor via WhatsApp, sparking a conversation that quickly started spiralling out of control.
The State claims the teacher sent a graphic video of herself to the young pupil and then invited the Grade 7 learner to her classroom the very next day, allegedly saying "See me in class".
The teacher was not asked to plead when she appeared in court on Friday. She was remanded in custody until 23 June and was advised to apply for bail.
The gravity of these charges has led to the court proceedings being postponed to 23 June, where the state will present more evidence and seek confirmation from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) regarding the prima facie evidence against her. The state is set to oppose her bail application, citing the severity of the offences, which are classified as a Schedule 6 offence.
WCED spokesperson Bronagh Hammond said the department’s labour relations directorate was notified last Friday and launched an immediate investigation.
“It has since been established that the teacher is not a WCED employee but was hired by the school governing body (SGB),” Hammond said.
In a statement, the SGB confirmed the teacher’s resignation.
“The SGB and WCED adopt a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of abuse,” it read. “The teacher, employed by the SGB, has resigned with immediate effect. The matter will be referred to the South African Council of Educators (SACE) for further handling.”
Police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk said police opened a case, which was transferred to the Mitchells Plain Family Matters, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit for further investigation.
“A 35-year-old suspect was arrested at a premises in Athlone on Thursday,” Van Wyk added. “She was provisionally charged in terms of Section 18 of the Sexual Offences Act 32 of 2007 – causing a child to be exposed to pornography.”
The incident has ignited fury amongst parents, who protested outside the school on Thursday, demanding answers and accountability from the Western Cape Department of Education (WCED). The lack of immediate suspension for the teacher further fuelled public anger.
Community member Ayesha Cassiem said residents were furious at the school’s handling of the matter.
“The community is outraged,” she said.
“The school tried to keep this under wraps, but more people found out this week, and now we’re demanding action.”
Loreza Allies, whose child is in the same class as the teacher, said parents were informed of the incident on 10 June, however, the matter became known to the school last week.
Allies added: “We want answers from the school. Why did none of them phone us or call the Grade R parents to sort it out?"
Outside the court, a group of parents from the school gathered to voice their outrage.
They are set to hand in a petition demanding accountability, united in their stance against the teacher’s release at the next hearing.
One mother, who wished to remain anonymous, demanded that justice be served, stating: “It’s a reminder that our legal system works hard to protect the rights of individuals and uphold fairness for our communities and our children.”
She emphasised her desire to support a justice system that prioritises the safety of kids.
Adding to the tension, parents are planning to petition for the resignation of the school’s principal following this shocking incident.
The School Governing Board (SGB) of Harvester Primary has issued a statement acknowledging the serious allegations against the teacher, reaffirming their commitment to a zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of abuse.
Although the educator was employed by the SGB and not directly by the Western Cape Education Department (WCED), they confirmed that she resigned last Thursday just hours before her arrest.
The SGB has also indicated that the situation will be referred to the South African Council of Educators (SACE) for review and action, reinforcing their commitment to safeguarding the well-being of students at the school.
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