'SEX-PEST' MENEER FIRED

Eerste River teacher is found skuldig of sexual assault and harrassment of meisie learner as Sadtu rep pleads innocence

- BY MURRAY SWART

AN EERSTE River meneer has been dismissed after being found guilty of sexually assaulting and harassing a Grade 12 learner, with the case raising concerns about how earlier complaints at school level were handled.

The ruling, issued last week by the Education Labour Relations Council (ELRC), followed a Section 188A inquiry in terms of the Labour Relations Act.

According to the arbitration award, the incidents took place in 2025 at Forest Heights School in Eerste River.

Cornwell Joseph was accused of touching the learner’s buttocks and waist, and making repeated inappropriate comments, including telling her “your body is beautiful” and asking for her number to discuss a “relationship”.

Guilty

Joseph pleaded not guilty to the allegations.