DELMAS — The principal of Khangela Primary School appeared in the Delmas Magistrate’s Court on Friday, 23 October 2026, following his arrest on allegations of sexually assaulting an 11-year-old Grade 6 learner.

The matter was postponed to 29 October for a formal bail application.

The arrest sparked concern among community members, some of whom gathered at the school following the allegations.

The learner’s mother told the Highveld Chronicle that her daughter, now 12, had disclosed that the principal called her into his office, touched her and instructed her to remove her trousers before allegedly sexually assaulting her.

She said the family became concerned when the child began behaving differently, crying and refusing to speak about what had happened.

According to the mother, the child eventually disclosed the alleged incident after repeated attempts by the family to find out what was troubling her.

The learner was taken to a clinic for medical attention. However, the results of any medical examination have not been independently verified by the Highveld Chronicle.

The newspaper also received accounts from other learners alleging that the principal had touched female learners’ breasts. These additional allegations have not been independently verified, and the number of learners potentially involved remains unclear.

In a statement issued on 22 October, the Mpumalanga Department of Education confirmed that the principal had been placed on precautionary suspension following his arrest.

The department said the suspension was necessary to protect the investigation and ensure that learners could continue their education in a safe environment.

Arrangements were also being made to appoint an acting principal while the matter was being investigated.

The department has launched an internal investigation and plans to refer the matter to the South African Council for Educators.

It also intends to provide counselling and other support to the learner, her family and members of the school community affected by the incident.

School Governing Body (SGB) chairperson Paul Jiyane told the publication that the governing body was deeply concerned about the allegations.

Jiyane also described an incident in which the school secretary intervened and referred parents to the police. He said the education department’s circuit manager later stepped in to assist the parents.

The department has urged the community to remain calm and allow the legal process to take its course.

It also warned against sharing information that could reveal the learner’s identity.

The principal’s suspension remains a precautionary measure, while the allegations against him are subject to the legal process.

The department said it would not comment further on the matter while it is before the court.