Merchiston Preparatory School parents drag KZN Education to court
Parents at Merchiston Preparatory School in Pietermaritzburg have gone to court in a bid to block the headmaster's return to the school.
Llewellyn Bragin was suspended in September over claims including sexual misconduct and intimidation.
The Department of Education in KwaZulu-Natal says a disciplinary hearing cleared him of any wrongdoing.
Parents picketed outside the school on Thursday to voice their unhappiness over his planned return that day and prevent his entry to the premises.
READ: Parents protest against return of alleged sex pest headmaster to PMB school
The parent's legal representative, Pat Deale, says an urgent application was lodged at the High Court in Pietermaritzburg on Monday.
He says the parents are seeking an interdict against the principal's return.
"The department and other respondents involved - the MEC - they hadn't submitted papers for consideration of the court and the court thought it would be proper for them to be able to file papers so that they can hear the argument.
"But for the time being, the main thing the parents wanted was for Bragin not to return tomorrow, and that has been achieved. So that is an interim benefit that we have received with this morning's proceedings at court."
Arguments are due to be heard towards the end of this month.
ALSO READ: PMB headmaster ‘cleared of wrongdoing’, KZN Education to meet with parents
A spokesperson for the parents, Tshephiso Papo, says they are one step closer to where they want to be.
"We have always made it clear that we do not want the headmaster back, not after all the allegations that were levelled against him. So this is a step in the right direction for us. We are happy."
The KZN Education Department says they will study the interim court order and find a way forward in the matter.
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