Harvester Primary School teacher faces investigation over sexual harassment claims

A teacher who is employed in a Student Governing Body (SGB) post at Harvester Primary School in Mitchell’s Plain is facing suspension and a police investigation for sexual harassment after she allegedly sent text and video messages of a sexual nature to a Grade 7 learner.

Police spokesperson, FC van Wyk, confirmed the Grade R teacher was being investigated. 

“We can confirm that Lentegeur police opened a sexual harassment case for further investigation following an incident that took place on May 26, 2025, at a primary school in Westridge,” he said.

“No arrests have been made as yet. The circumstances surrounding this incident are still under investigation.

“Anyone who may have information regarding this incident is kindly requested to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111.”

According to a radio news report via Heart FM, the mother said she raised the alarm after she was asked to bring her son’s cellphone to the school's principal.

It's alleged that the teacher added the learner on TikTok and sent him text messages and a video of a sexual nature. 

Western Cape Education Department (WCED) spokesperson, Bronagh Hammond, said the matter is under investigation and the teacher faces suspension.

“The WCED Labour Relations Directorate was informed of the very serious and disturbing allegations on Friday. An immediate investigation was then launched by our Labour Relations Directorate,” she said.

“It has since been established that the teacher is not in our employ, but is an employee of the SGB.

"We will therefore advise the SGB of the process to follow going forward.

“The teacher was informed that she is to report to the district office and not the school.

"A suspension letter will be issued based on the evidence presented in the investigation.

“The relevant counselling support has been arranged for the learner concerned. The district psychologist was at the school yesterday to determine the needs of the learner and support going forward.

“The principal then reported the matter to the WCED as protocol. The evidence has been submitted to our Labour Relations directorate.

“The outcome of the investigation will determine how the SGB will proceed in terms of disciplinary action.”

In April, the Cape Argus reported that a crisis was plaguing South African schools, as the Education Labour Relations Council (ELRC) confirmed 111 cases of sexual harassment and abuse of learners by teachers were referred to them in the 2024/25 financial year. 

The shocking figure is 29 cases more compared to the previous year, when 82 cases of sexual harassment and abuse by teachers were referred to the council.

The province leading with the highest number of cases referred for 2024/25 was KwaZulu-Natal with 25 - an increase of 14 cases compared to the previous year, followed by the Eastern Cape with 21, Gauteng with 16, the Western Cape and Free State both with 12, Mpumalanga with 10 and North West recording seven.

Education MEC David Maynier's spokesperson, Kerry Mauchline, said six teachers were dismissed following seven cases of sexual assault of learners allegedly by teachers and public service staff for the year 2024/25.

According to the Legal Resource Centre, a recent response by the Minister of Basic Education to a parliamentary question also revealed that between 2022 and 2024, the Department of Basic Education received only 28 835 National Register for Sex Offenders clearance certificates.

During that same period, the department appointed 72 576 teachers who should have all been vetted.

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