Sex-pest principal teaches on

2004-04-07 09:37

Sonja Carstens

Pretoria - A primary school principal found guilty of sexually harassing teachers will not be allowed to return to his post, but he will also not be suspended, pending a disciplinary hearing.

The Gauteng education department will hold an independent hearing into charges of misconduct, independent of a Pretoria North magistrate's ruling.

Willie du Plessis, head of Magalieskruin Primary, was found guilty of 11 charges in total, including indecent assault, theft and fraud. The case has been postponed for sentencing until May 18.

Moss Nkonyane, senior district manager for the Gauteng education department, said on Tuesday they had to be careful that Du Plessis's labour rights were not infringed.

Beeld newspaper understands that seven teachers had threatened to resign if Du Plessis was found not guilty on the charges.

Claimed it was a 'mafia set-up'

Already, nine children have been removed from the school by their parents after Du Plessis' suspension was retracted, pending the outcome of the case.

Professor Adré Schreuder, chairperson of the school's governing body, said on Tuesday the ruling brought an end to Du Plessis's claims that the school's former governing body was a mafia set-up that held a grudge against him.

"His conduct was not becoming for the school. I feel sorry for him... but, he was found guilty and has to pay for his deeds."

He said the governing body was looking for a strong person to take over as principal and rebuild the school.

Schreuder also said it was sad teachers who had exposed du Plessis had decided to leave teaching.

- Beeld