Limpopo principal released on bail for sexual assault of a Grade 12 learner

A 51-year-old Capricorn District school principal accused of sexually assaulting a 17-year-old Grade 12 learner was granted a bail of R3,000 by the Polokwane Magistrates’ Court

The Regional Spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Mashudu Dzhangi Malabi said the principal’s bail conditions include that he must not interfere with state witnesses and police investigation, not commit a schedule one offence, and attend court on all appointed dates until the matter is finalised.

“He was also informed that failure to appear may lead to his bail being cancelled and bail money forfeited to the state,” she said.

Dzhangi said on August 11, 2025, the victim was playing with her cellphone during lessons when her Life Orientation teacher took it and gave it to the school principal.

“On August 16, 2025, during the extra-lessons classes, the victim went to the office of the principal to retrieve her cellphone. That’s when the principal sexually assaulted the unsuspecting victim by kissing her,” she said.

Dzhangi said the victim reported the incident to her mother, who then accompanied her to the police station to report the incident, and the accused was arrested.

“The state did not oppose the application since it is a Schedule 1 offence and subject to the conditions imposed.”

The matter was postponed to October 20, 2025, for further investigation

sinenhlanhla.masilela@iol.co.za

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