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Free State pupil, 14, faces hearing over alleged attempt to touch teacher

Published

The Free State education department says a grade 7 pupil allegedly tried to inappropriately touch a 32-year-old teacher on 27 October. A criminal case is being investigated, and the pupil's disciplinary hearing is set for 5 November.

Department spokesperson Howard Ndaba said the teacher acted swiftly to protect herself. The teacher has received psychosocial support. The matter was reported to the school governing body and its disciplinary committee on 29 October.

The disciplinary hearing will start at 9am on 5 November. Police are investigating the criminal case that the department says was opened.

Free State education MEC MJ Maboya condemned the incident in a statement. He said: "We will not tolerate the abuse of teachers in our schools." He added that teachers should be able to work without fearing for their safety.

Key facts

Who
Howard Ndaba (Free State education department spokesperson); MJ Maboya (Free State education MEC)
What
The Free State education department says a 14-year-old pupil allegedly attempted to inappropriately touch a 32-year-old teacher on October 27. A criminal case has been opened and is being investigated, and the pupil faces a disciplinary hearing scheduled for November 5.
When
27 October 2026
Where
Free State
Status
Reported

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