Gotvol residents of Harrismith in the Free State have voiced strong dissatisfaction with the principal of a local school.
This follows rape allegations made at the school's premises.
The residents' demands reflect deep frustration and a longing for justice as they await the results of the official investigation.
The principal handed himself over to the Harrismith cops after allegations of sexual assault involving a pupil at the school on Tuesday, 11 November.
Police spokesman, Warrant Officer Mmako Mophiring, said the incident was reported to police by the victim's parents after they were informed.
Mophiring confirmed that a 15-year-old pupil was called to the principal's staff room while she was studying with other learners in one of the classrooms.
"She met the principal inside an old office where he inappropriately touched her. The pupil went back and informed other pupils, who advised her to call her parents further, who then involved the cops. A case of sexual assault is being investigated," he said.
Residents of Harrismith are demanding justice for the victim.
"We were told this is not the first incident involving the principal. He is no longer fit to work with children. We want him to rot in jail, and we call on the justice system not to grant him bail. He was supposed to act as a parent to our girls," said community member Nontobeko Sibisi.
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Another community member, Francinah Moloi, expressed her shock and disappointment.
"We invested our trust in the principal, not knowing he was the wrong person. We have kids who are still in primary school, and we want them to attend here because it is one of the best academically. I am deeply disappointed and shocked. I believed the principal was a man of integrity. Our kids are not safe in his presence. We call on the Department of Education to dismiss him with immediate effect," she said.
In a widely shared audio recording, the principal is heard asking a pupil for a "deep, meaningful hug" in his office.
The victim allegedly made the recording.
The school has stated that it is aware of allegations of inappropriate behaviour by the principal and has reported the matter to the police for investigation.
"In line with our statutory obligations, internal policies and best practices of safeguarding our pupils, the school management has taken a decision to suspend the principal with immediate effect pending the outcome of the investigations.
"This action was taken strictly as a precautionary measure. The matter is under the cops' investigation. As such, the school cannot discuss the specific matter with anyone. The school is giving full cooperation and support to the cops and relevant authorities," a statement read.
The school has reassured parents that both the primary and secondary schools remain safe academic environments for their kids.
The Free State Department of Education is yet to comment.
The suspect will appear in the Harrismith Magistrates Court on Tuesday, 18 November.
He's facing a charge of sexual assault.
The residents are expected to picket outside the court to put pressure on the National Prosecuting Authority not to grant the suspect bail.
