Number of sexual assault victims at Soweto school rises to 83
The Gauteng Department of Education revealed a rise in the number of victims shortly after confirming that it has removed the school's principle.
The 83 children were allegedly assaulted by a guard at AB Xuma Primary School in Soweto
The school's principle and management team were removed amid allegations that it took them seven months to report the sexual assaults to the department.
Spokesperson Steve Mabona says this will ensure there is no contact between the school's management team and the victims.
An independent body has been appointed to investigate all allegations levelled against the principal and her management team.
"The MEC felt they need not to be at the school and the department has already issued them with letters. They will then move to the district office," Mabona says.
He says the victims, some as young as six years old, are undergoing counselling.
"All the necessary stakeholders are at the school making sure the learners are counselled, allay fears, and also move into those that are at home.
"We understand that there are those that are at home. They are afraid to go back to school because they don't want to experience what they experienced. So the process is unfolding."