Outrage Erupts at Pitlochry Primary Over Teacher’s Alleged Sexual Messages to Pupil
Parents at Pitlochry Primary School in Westville are demanding swift justice after sexually suggestive messages allegedly sent by a senior teacher to a 12-year-old girl came to light. The scandal surfaced when the child's mother noticed a sudden change in her daughter’s behaviour and began to investigate.
School Governing Body chairperson Veran Jankee confirmed the parent’s suspicions were confirmed when she uncovered inappropriate TikTok messages and promptly alerted the school.
"Fortunately, the parent was vigilant. She started digging further and found concerning chats. She informed the school, and we followed the appropriate processes," said Jankee.
Angry parents gathered outside the school’s gates on Tuesday morning, demanding accountability and clarity on the action being taken. One concerned parent, whose child recently enrolled at the school, said she was now reconsidering her decision: “You trust schools to be safe places. This is devastating. It’s been two weeks and there’s been no proper communication.”
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education has launched an investigation. Spokesperson Muzi Mahlambi confirmed the teacher in question admitted to the misconduct and that earlier allegations had surfaced from his time at a different school.
"The educator has admitted to sending those messages. Further investigation has revealed a prior case of similar behaviour at another institution," Mahlambi said.
In a message to parents via the D6 platform, the school confirmed the teacher had been removed while multiple investigations continue. The young pupil is currently receiving counselling.
The explicit messages allegedly included disturbing questions such as, “Do you use one finger or two?” and “I asked which finger you use on yourself…” followed by the teacher urging secrecy: “Please promise me you won’t tell anybody, and I mean NOBODY that you chat to me.”
A criminal case has been opened, and the matter has sparked renewed concern over child safety and educator accountability. A protest by parents and community members is scheduled at the school at 8 a.m. on Tuesday as calls intensify for the teacher’s immediate dismissal and arrest.