The principal, Manono Makhapela, 44, joined the janitors in the dock of the Khayelitsha District Court on Thursday, following his arrest earlier the same day.

The charge sheet names the janitors as Polo Elliot Mfengu, and Mkhumbuzi Ncedana, both 59.

Their appearance was a sequel to an incident in October last year, when the janitors allegedly buried the dog alive in a pit that they dug on the premises of the Luhlaza Secondary School in Khayelitsha.

The dog, a stray mongrel, has since recovered from its near-death ordeal, and named Warrior. It was reportedly rescued in the nick of time, and taken to the Mdzananda Animal Clinic for treatment.

At the request of prosecutor Ephraim Mlambo, the case was scheduled for plea and trial on August 30. All three are out on warning.

The incident has resulted in the principal being found guilty of misconduct, at internal disciplinary proceedings.