Soweto educator suspended over alleged sexual assault of learner

An educator at a school in Soweto has been placed on precautionary suspension following allegations of sexual assault involving a grade four learner.

Gauteng Education MEC Lebogang Maile says the learner and her family will receive psychosocial support as departmental disciplinary processes and police investigations continue.

WATCH | “We will leave no stone unturned,” Gauteng Education MEC Lebogang Maile vows, following allegations that a teacher raped a learner at a primary school in Zola, Soweto.

He adds that Social Development will support the learner and her family. https://t.co/DAGTCftsnx — SABC News (@SABCNews) October 20, 2026 Angry residents of Zola protested outside the school on Tuesday, calling for justice for the child.

Amid renewed concerns about the safety and protection of children in schools, Maile has urged the school community to remain calm and allow due process to take its course.

Maile says police are gathering statements before proceeding with an arrest.

He says the educator will remain on precautionary suspension while labour processes continue.

“The forensics are taking the statements and then the police will be able to effect an arrest, because the police were waiting for a complainant to be able to effect arrest.

We also agreed that the teacher will be on precautionary suspension while the labour process is taking place.” RELATED VIDEO | Sexual assault at SA schools under spotlight