Limpopo school principal loses court battle over mishandled sexual abuse claims

A FORMER Limpopo school principal failed in his legal bid to get his job back after he was fired by the Education Department for failing to submit a report after a Grade 2 learner was reportedly raped or sexually abused by other learners, and allegedly attempting to bribe the learner's guardian to prevent further action.

- ZELDA VENTER

Jack Machengwana (applicant) turned to the Johannesburg Labour Court to review and set aside his dismissal by a commissioner on arbitration.

Although the learner insisted that she fell prey to fellow learners, Machengwana claimed the incident never happened. He reasoned it would have been impossible, as the alleged culprits were small children and “incapable” of rape or sexual abuse.

Machengwana lost his job following the incident when a 7-year-old learner complained that she was sexually assaulted by some boys of the same age, who were also at the same school.