South African Teacher Accused of Grooming 12-Year-Old into P0rnst@r on TikTok

South African Teacher Accused of Grooming 12-Year-Old into P0rnst@r on TikTok – Parents and concerned community members gathered outside Pitlochry Primary School in Westville on Tuesday morning, protesting the school’s handling of serious allegations against a senior teacher accused of sending expl!cit messages to a 12-year-old pupil on TikTok.

Colonel Robert Netshiunda, spokesperson for the provincial police, confirmed that Sydenham SAPS is investigating a case of child grooming following reports that a man allegedly sent inappropriate messages to a young girl.

“A case of child grooming is under investigation,” he stated.

According to parents, the incident was revealed to them not by the school, but through a television news report on Monday night.

“It is sad and frustrating that this happened weeks ago, but we had to hear about it on the news,” said Nerusha Maharaj, the mother of a Grade 5 pupil.

She added: “The education department needs to move faster and be more transparent when dealing with such issues — it’s our children’s lives at stake.”

The incident allegedly took place in early April, when the teacher reportedly messaged the pupil, asking, “Do you use one finger or two?” followed by, “I asked which finger you use on yourself.”

In response, the young girl allegedly replied, “You’re so dirty minded. I don’t use any finger.” The teacher allegedly pleaded with her to keep the conversation secret, saying, “Listen, please promise me you won’t tell anybody, and I mean NOBODY that you chat to me.”

The Department of Education in KwaZulu-Natal confirmed that they had been made aware of the incident on April 5.

Spokesperson Muzi Mahlambi said, “The matter was reported to the principal and the circuit manager on the same day, and an investigation was immediately instituted. The findings are now on the head of department’s desk for further action. The department frowns upon and is very disappointed by such alleged behavior by teachers in our schools.”

Mahlambi further revealed that the accused teacher had previously been suspended over a similar incident at another school.

Parents are demanding the teacher’s permanent removal.

“If the allegations are found to be true, he should be removed from the education system and not have access to any child,” insisted Veran Jankee, a parent with two children at the school. “Thankfully, the victim’s parent noticed a change in her child’s behavior and took action. If not for her vigilance, who knows how long this would have continued?”

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Another concerned parent, Neema Keshav, said the allegations have shattered their trust. “We send our children to school for a brighter future, but now there’s a dark cloud over that dream. It’s heartbreaking to have to ask your child uncomfortable questions at such a young age.”

Parents also raised concerns about the school’s decision to move the teacher to an administrative role rather than immediately removing him from the premises. “How was that protecting the children?” questioned Maharaj. “He was still around them.”

Dinesh Ramsunder, whose child is in Grade 5, emphasized the urgency: “I’m standing not only for my child but for all our children. The education department must act swiftly. The investigation must not drag.”

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Local ward councillor Alicia Kissoon, who engaged with protesting parents, said the community is demanding transparency and accountability. “The protest reflects a wider outcry for urgent intervention. It is imperative that the issue is addressed with the seriousness it warrants,” Kissoon said.

Meanwhile, the National Professional Teachers’ Organisation of SA (Naptosa) condemned the alleged actions. CEO Thirona Moodley stressed:

“Teachers are supposed to protect pupils, not exploit them. However, while we condemn any act of sexual grooming, we must also ensure due process is followed. The allegations must be thoroughly tested before conclusions are drawn.”

Despite the growing pressure from parents and the public, no arrest had been made by Tuesday.

The education department, meanwhile, confirmed issuing a “precautionary removal” directive to prevent the teacher from returning to school while investigations are ongoing.