A Grade R teacher at Harvester Primary School in Mitchells Plain is facing potential suspension and a police investigation after allegations surfaced that she engaged in inappropriate communication with a Grade 7 learner. The teacher, employed in a School Governing Body (SGB) post, is accused of sending text and video messages of a sexual nature to the young boy, prompting a sexual harassment case.
Police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk confirmed that the Lentegeur police are investigating the matter. "We can confirm that Lentegeur police opened a sexual harassment case for further investigation following an incident that took place on 26 May 2025 at a primary school in Westridge," he stated. "No arrests have been made as yet. The circumstances surrounding this incident are still under investigation." He urged anyone with information to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
Bronagh Hammond of the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) confirmed that the department has launched its own investigation into the serious allegations. "The WCED Labour Relations Directorate was informed of the very serious and disturbing allegations on Friday," Hammond explained. "An immediate investigation was then launched by our Labour Relations Directorate."
Hammond clarified that the teacher is not directly employed by the WCED but is an employee of the SGB. "It has since been established that the teacher is not in our employ, but is an employee of the SGB. We will therefore advise the SGB of the process to follow going forward," she said.
As a precautionary measure, "The teacher was informed that she is to report to the district office and not the school," Hammond stated. Furthermore, "A suspension letter will be issued based on the evidence presented in the investigation."
The principal of Harvester Primary followed protocol by reporting the matter to the WCED, and all evidence has been submitted to the Labour Relations directorate. "The principal then reported the matter to the WCED as protocol. The evidence has been submitted to our Labour Relations directorate," Hammond confirmed.
The WCED's investigation will play a crucial role in determining the next steps. "The outcome of the investigation will determine how the SGB will proceed in terms of disciplinary action," Hammond explained. The SGB will be responsible for initiating disciplinary proceedings against the teacher, based on the findings of the WCED's probe.
The allegations against the Grade R teacher have raised serious concerns about safeguarding and child protection within schools. The investigation will aim to uncover the full extent of the alleged misconduct and ensure that appropriate action is taken to protect learners. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and robust reporting mechanisms to address any form of abuse or harassment within the education system.
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