Polokwane Principal Arrested After Alleged Sexual Assault of 17-Year-Old Student

Teen allegedly assaulted while collecting confiscated cellphone

A quiet school in Polokwane became the centre of a disturbing case this week after a 51-year-old principal was arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a 17-year-old pupil. The incident reportedly took place in the Lebowakgomo policing area on Saturday, 16 August 2025, sending shockwaves through the community and raising questions about student safety in local schools.

According to Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba, the teen had gone to the principal’s office to retrieve her cellphone, which had been confiscated during class. Several attempts to collect it had previously failed because the principal was unavailable. On Saturday, when she returned, she was allegedly instructed to enter the office alone. It was during this encounter that the principal allegedly touched her inappropriately. The student’s friend waited outside during the incident.

Prompt action and arrest

The victim reported the assault to her family, and the case was promptly taken to Lebowakgomo Police Station on Wednesday, 20 August 2025. Authorities referred the matter to the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit, leading to the immediate arrest of the principal. He is expected to appear before the Thabamoopo Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 21 August 2025.

Community and provincial response

Limpopo’s Provincial Commissioner of Police, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, expressed deep concern. “It is deeply disturbing when those entrusted with the care and education of our children allegedly abuse their positions of authority. Schools should be safe havens for learning, not places where children fear for their safety,” she said.

The commissioner praised the courage of the student in coming forward and assured the public that the case would be monitored closely to ensure justice is served.

Social media reaction and broader implications

Local residents and social media users have expressed outrage, emphasising the need for stricter safeguards in schools. Many have called for enhanced vetting of educators and more accessible channels for students to report misconduct safely.

Experts note that incidents like this highlight a wider systemic challenge: the need for vigilance, supervision, and protective policies in schools across Limpopo and South Africa at large. Families and community members continue to stress that educational environments must remain secure and nurturing for every child.

{Source: The Citizen}

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com