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Pupils protested outside the Bronkhorstspruit Magistrate’s Court earlier this month following the arrest of a deputy principal accused of raping a 9-year-old girl.
- A Bronkhorstspruit deputy principal, charged with raping a nine-year-old pupil, has been granted bail of R5 000 under strict conditions.
- The incidents allegedly occurred on school premises between June 2024 and August 2025.
- Community protests preceded his arrest on 1 September, and the case is set to continue on 24 October in the regional court.
A 53-year-old deputy principal from a primary school in Bronkhorstspruit, accused of raping a nine-year-old pupil on three occasions during school hours, has been released on bail of R5 000.
The Bronkhorstspruit Magistrate’s Court granted his release on Friday under stringent conditions, which include reporting to the police station twice a week.
It is alleged that, between June 2024 and August 2025, the accused raped the child on three occasions during school hours on school premises.
According to Lumka Mahanjana, spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority, the abuse came to light when the child’s mother noticed her walking abnormally.
Upon inquiry, the child revealed the incidents, and the mother subsequently reported the matter to the police.
READ | Deputy principal accused of raping 9-year-old girl three times on school property
Widespread community protests swept through the suburb of Riamar Park after the alleged abuse came to light.
Parents demanded the teacher’s arrest while calling for the school governing body to be disbanded for its handling of the matter.
The accused was arrested on 1 September.
Other bail conditions require the accused to inform the investigating officer of any address change and attend all court appearances.
Mahanjana said:
In court, Prosecutor Mantshadi Tumelo Ledwaba opposed the accused’s release on bail, arguing that he was a flight risk and is facing serious charges involving a child. However, the magistrate found exceptional circumstances justifying his release on bail.
The case has been postponed to 24 October 2025, when it will be transferred to the regional court.
The deputy principal cannot be named until he has pleaded to the charges.
