Sex pest teachers fired, other rogues feel heat

Mpumalanga education department reports 13 dismissals

- By Tshwarelo eseng Mogakane [e-mail]

Mpumalanga education authorities have intensified their crackdown on rogue teachers accused of sexual misconduct, fraud, absenteeism and even carrying firearms on school premises.

Last week, the provincial education department confirmed that a teacher in eMbalenhle, Secunda, had been suspended after allegations that he had sexually assaulted pupils.

"The department takes such allegations with the utmost seriousness and condemns any form of sexual misconduct in the strongest possible terms," the department said, adding that the suspension was in the best interest of the children while investigations unfold.

Following her visit to the school, education MEC Letty Masina told Sunday World there would be no compromise when it comes to protecting children.

"The department takes the sexual harassment allegations very seriously and will not hesitate to take action against educators who are alleged to have committed such gross misconduct," she said.

Masina stressed that the law leaves no room for ambiguity.