Gauteng Department of Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi expressed worry towards sexual harassment allegations at a school in Midrand. He said any learner or employee found to be  engaging in such acts will be dealt with immediately. It is alleged that a grade 10 learner sexually harassed three grade 8 pupils at Penelope Oracle Secondary school in Midrand.

INVESTIGATION

In a statement the department spokesman Steve Mabona confirmed the allegations claiming that investigations were taking place.                                                               "A grade 10 pupil sexually harassed two Grade 8 girl pupils after school on Tuesday, 6 September, and Wednesday, 7 September, but that the incidents were only reported to the principal on Thursday during school hours. Furthermore another grade 8 pupil also reported that she was harassed by two Grade 10 and a grade 11 pupil on Friday," said  Mabona.

DELINQUENCY IN SCHOOLS

Mabona added that the school called the parents of the alleged perpetrators, who claimed they had no knowledge of the incidents.
"We have  psycho-social support that  was provided to the victims and their parents by district officials, and disciplinary hearings have been scheduled for the alleged perpetrators," said Mabona. MEC Lesufi said he condemns delinquency in schools and such behaviour will not be tolerated.                                                                  "These cases are worrisome, and any learner or employee who is reported to have sexually harassed anyone on our school premises will face the necessary disciplinary action and can possibly be removed from our school. We urge victims or witnesses to report such cases so that they can be dealt with immediately," said Lesufi.