Remove Alleged Sexual Offender from Mitchells Plain School of Skills – Protect Our Learners

Western Cape Education Department, Minister of Education, and Mitchells Plain School of Skills

We, the undersigned, are deeply concerned and outraged by the reinstatement of an alleged sexual offender at Mitchells Plain School of Skills. This individual was suspended by the WCED in April 2024, after a formal case was opened with SAPS in December 2021 and charges were laid in March 2022. The criminal case is still ongoing and is scheduled for trial at Blue Downs Regional Court on 4 July 2025.

Reinstating this educator while the matter is still before the courts compromises the safety and psychological wellbeing of all learners—especially those at heightened risk, such as children attending schools of skills.

We call on the Western Cape Education Department to:

1. Immediately reverse the reinstatement decision.

2. Ensure that the accused is removed from the school until the criminal case is fully resolved.

3. Prioritize the safety and well-being of learners above administrative or procedural convenience.

Every child deserves to feel safe at school. We demand accountability and child-centered decision-making.

Caroline Peters, Callas Foundation    Contact the author of the petition