Pretoria - The Gauteng Department of Education has suspended the Meadowlands High School principal following his appearance in court for allegedly assaulting a learner.
Department spokesperson Charles Phahlane said school principal Moss Senye was issued with a precautionary suspension letter following his appearance in court.
"The district officials went to the school on Tuesday to serve the suspension letter on the educator and the School Management Team was informed of the pending appointment of an acting principal," Phahlane said in a statement.
He explained that the action is consistent with the way in which the department responded to similar cases where there has been prima facie evidence of assault against learners. This includes Witkoppen Primary, Filadelfia and other similar cases.
"The School Governing Body has been formally informed of developments at the school. At this stage, the matter is sub judice and we would not wish to comment further on the merits of the case. Senye enjoys the presumption of innocence until proven otherwise.
"We urge all parties to respect the legal and administrative processes and to continue with learning and teaching," said Phahlane.
