The Western Cape Education Department has confirmed that it is aware of allegations of inappropriate conduct involving a staff member at a primary school in Silvertown, Athlone.
WCED spokesperson Bronagh Hammond told Radio 786 that the department is treating the allegations seriously and is cooperating with the police investigation into the matter.
Hammond says the department has also initiated the necessary labour relations and disciplinary processes in accordance with its internal procedures.
The staff member at the centre of the allegations is currently not at the school.
The department has further arranged psychosocial support for learners and the alleged victims following the allegations. Hammond says the support is intended to assist those affected while the relevant processes are under way.
Meanwhile, police have confirmed that the matter has been brought to their attention.
Police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg says the allegations were reported to the Nyanga Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit on Tuesday.
However, Twigg says no criminal case has been registered at this stage.
The circumstances surrounding the allegations, including the nature of the alleged conduct, have not been disclosed publicly.
The investigation and the department’s internal processes are expected to determine the circumstances surrounding the allegations and whether further action is warranted.
