A school should be a safe place — not a source of fear. Tsolo learners receive trauma support after shocking allegations against their principal. Picture Credit: Wallpapers.com
By Aisha Zardad
Eastern Cape – Fear, confusion and disbelief hang heavily over a school in Tsolo after the arrest of its principal — a man who was meant to protect and guide learners, now accused of hurting the very children entrusted to his care.
The Eastern Cape Department of Education has dispatched a team of psychologists and social workers to support traumatised learners and staff after disturbing allegations surfaced: the school principal allegedly kidnapped two hostel learners, threatened them with a firearm and attempted to rape them.
The arrest has shaken the school community. For the learners, the idea that someone in a position of authority — someone they saw every day — could be involved in such violence has left deep emotional scars.
Provincial education spokesperson Malibongwe Mtima says the department acted swiftly to ensure the children’s emotional safety.
“We can confirm that the principal is incarcerated. The children are now in a safe home and receiving psychosocial support. The department says it has deployed a provincial psychologist and a social worker to lead a fact-finding mission and provide immediate crisis intervention.
For many parents and community members, the incident highlights a painful reality: South African learners often face dangers not only outside school gates, but sometimes within institutions that should protect them. In Tsolo, the priority now is healing — rebuilding trust, offering psychological care, and making sure the affected learners know they are believed, supported and safe.
