Security guard at the school allegedly sodomised at least 11 boys aged between 9 and 11 years
A LIMPOPO school principal is being investigated for allegedly not reporting cases of sexual abuse at his school.
This follows allegations that a security guard at the school had sodomised at least 11 boys aged between 9 and 11 years at the Ntji Mothapo Primary School in GaMothapo-Magowa village over a period of 10 months.
The matter came to light during the long weekend when parents allegedly noticed that a boy had difficulty walking.
The boy told them what had happened. The school and the parents reported it to the school governing body.
The guard is allegedly on the run.
A case of sexual abuse against the guard was only laid on Friday by members of the school's governing body.
The Congress of the People (Cope), which raised the alarm on the matter, has called on provincial MEC for education Namane Masemola to address the matter "as speedily as possible".
Cope spokesperson Ike Kekana said this should be done to ensure that those on the wrong side of the law were dealt with accordingly.
"It is highly disturbing to learn that kids are not receiving the necessary protection and attention from teachers and the educational authorities. We demand action against anyone found guilty in this matter," Kekana said.
Provincial education department spokesperson Pat Kgomo said they viewed the matter in a very serious light.
"Allegations that the principal knew about the incidents and had failed to inform the department will be investigated and corrective and disciplinary measures taken against anyone found to be in the wrong," Kgomo said yesterday.
He said social workers had been sent to the school to counsel some of the pupils.
"We also wish to extend our sympathy to affected pupils and their parents and promise to handle the matter sensitively," Kgomo said.
Mankweng police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Malan Nchabeleng said they had launched a manhunt for the guard and hoped to arrest him soon.