Dept taking Westville teacher grooming case ‘very seriously’
The KZN Department of Education says the HOD will make a decision soon on a teacher at a Westville school accused of sending explicit messages to his Grade 7 pupil.
The department's spokesperson, Muzi Mahlambi, has confirmed that the educator was previously removed from another school on similar allegations of grooming.
" We are taking this matter in a very serious light. We have since made recommendations to the head of department with the findings."
It's understood that in the Westville case, the 12-year-old girl’s mother raised the alarm after noticing a change in her daughter's behaviour.
She later discovered inappropriate messages on her phone.
Authorities at Pitlochry Primary School say they began taking action when the matter was brought to their attention.
On Tuesday morning, parents stood outside the school's locked gate demanding answers and the man's immediate suspension.
READ: Probe into Westville teacher accused of grooming pupil
One parent, Sundiep Seeban, says he hopes the department will act speedily, especially in protecting the victim.
" Considering that this is probably one of the worst crimes or the worst things that could happen to a child, it's frightening as a parents to hear that this is what's going on under our noses. This is the last thing in the world that you want to hear. As a parent, it's terrifying, but I am also glad that we have a good show here of parents who are like-minded, and we are definitely determined to do something about it today."
Local councillor, Alicia Ramikisoon, who was called in to help with the situation, met with the principal behind closed doors.
She reported back to parents, telling them that the teacher was immediately removed from his position.
" The timetable was adjusted by the deputy head and the teacher was removed to the admin block to not have contact with the children until the process of investigation was complete. We all have to agree that the rule of law has to prevail, so he was removed according to the information I've heard."
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