Tshwane deputy principal released on bail after being arrested for raping eight-year-old learner
It is alleged that the abuse occurred on three separate occasions between June 2024 and August 2025, during school hours on the school premises
Image: File/Damen Schuman
A 53-year-old deputy principal of Bronkhorstspruit Primary School has been granted R5,000 bail on strict conditions after he was charged with the rape of an eight-year-old learner.
Gauteng regional spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority, Lumka Mahanjana, said the accused is facing three counts of rape. It is alleged that the abuse occurred on three separate occasions between June 2024 and August 2025, during school hours on the school premises.
"The abuse came to light when the mother noticed the child walking strangely and, upon inquiry, the child disclosed the incidents. The mother reported the matter to the police, leading to the accused’s arrest on 1 September 2025," said Mahanjana.
In court, Prosecutor Mantshadi Tumelo Ledwaba opposed the accused's release on bail, arguing that the deputy principal was a flight risk and was facing serious charges against a child. However, the magistrate found "exceptional circumstances" that justified his release on bail.
The bail conditions stipulate that the accused must report to the Bronkhorstspruit police station twice a week, refrain from contacting the complainant or her family, inform the investigating officer of any address change, and attend all future court appearances.
The matter has been postponed to October 24, 2025, for transfer to the regional court.
In July, IOL reported that the Pretoria Magistrate's Court sentenced a 64-year-old father from Mamelodi to life imprisonment for the repeated rape of his daughter, which lasted for almost a decade since 2010.
The court declared the 64-year-old unfit to work with children or possess a firearm, ordered his name added to the National Register for Sexual Offenders, and directed that his two granddaughters be referred to the children’s court for investigation and inquiry.
“The abuse began when the victim was nine years old in 2010, and continued until she was 19 in 2020, occurring during weekends and school holidays when the victim would visit her father,” Mahanjana said at the time.
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