A former employee at a primary school in Stellenbosch has lodged a criminal complaint of sexual assault against the school’s former principal. The Stellenbosch principal sexual assault allegations centre on an incident that took place on the school premises on 11 December 2025.

Police registered the case the same day. The 59-year-old man was arrested on 19 December 2025 and appeared in the Stellenbosch Magistrate’s Court. Court proceedings remain ongoing.

Alleged Incident on School Premises

The complainant described the events in an exclusive interview with the Cape Argus. She said the former principal slapped her on the butt and, as they left the premises, grabbed her wrist and asked her to kiss him. She refused twice before he released her.

She reported the matter to police at Cloetesville station immediately. Officers later transferred the docket to the Stellenbosch Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit.

Criminal Case Advances in Court

SAPS spokesperson FC van Wyk confirmed the arrest and the man’s first court appearance. Van Wyk added that the accused’s last known court date was 3 March 2026. The next appearance is scheduled for 13 May 2026.

The National Prosecuting Authority handles the prosecution. Cape Argus contacted the NPA for comment and awaits a response.

Western Cape Education Department Response

The complainant also reported the incident to the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) on 12 December 2025. She included claims of ongoing sexual harassment dating back to 2020.

The department confirmed receipt of the complaint. Officials contacted her again on 7 January 2026, held a consultation on 20 January and served the principal with a notice of a disciplinary hearing on 27 January.

The hearing was set for 24 February 2026 but postponed to 26 March after the principal submitted a medical certificate. On 24 March 2026 he opted for early retirement, and the internal process stopped.