A Bryanston High School employee was recently arrested and suspended from the school after allegations of sexual misconduct have surfaced.
The School Governing Body (SGB) of Bryanston High School issued a statement regarding the allegation against a staff member at the school.
The statement reads that the ‘matter is of grave concern to the school as the safety and well-being of learners are a priority’.
“The Gauteng Department of Education and South African Police Services have been advised of the situation and an internal investigation was launched.”
The SGB said that the matter is being investigated by the police and no further information may be provided to the general public or media.
“The school can, however, advise that the staff member has been suspended pending resolution of this matter.”
An investigation was conducted by an independent senior attorney who has extensive experience in the relevant field.
“The investigation has been concluded and the School Governing Body (SGB) chairperson and the headmaster of Bryanston High School have consulted extensively on this matter.”
The school said that formal disciplinary proceedings against the staff member concerned have commenced.
“At present, the current allegations remain unproven and all parties are being treated with empathy and compassion in keeping with their basic fundamental rights.”
The SGB said that parents of affected learners have been notified personally by the chairman of the SGB together with the headmaster, John Skelton, and professional counselling has been made available to the learners concerned.
“The SGB does not tolerate any form of harassment or sexual misconduct. Full-time employees, part-time staff and learners are all expected to adhere to this standard.”
It added that any allegation of this nature, when brought to the school’s attention is seen as extremely serious and are dealt with decisively.
“The safety and welfare of learners are of paramount importance and learners are encouraged to express any concerns through our online anonymous reporting tool.”
Captain Granville Meyer, spokesperson for the Sandton Police Station, confirmed that a sexual offences case was opened at the station and is being investigated by the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Investigations Unit (FCS).
Meyer said the 33-year-old man was arrested on 17 January and appeared in the Alexandra Regional Court the same day for this matter. “He was released on bail on 23 January, and the case was postponed until 12 March for further investigation.”
The Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi is impressed by the Bryanston High School SGB’s swift action regarding allegations of sexual assault against an educator.
Steve Mabona, spokesperson for the GDE, said the SGB immediately suspended the educator after the complaint was brought to their attention in January 2019. The alleged learner abuse allegedly took place between 2017 and 2018.
Mabona said, “An investigation by an independent law firm is finalised, and as such, his hearing is scheduled on 5 and 6 February. The matter is also under investigation by the South African Police Services.”
He added that the department has dispatched the psycho-social unit to the school for the necessary support and counselling to all affected learners.
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