Principal granted bail on sexual assault charges
Zuko Komisa
- Cornelius Sebothoma, a 51-year-old school principal, has been granted R3 000 bail after being charged with the sexual assault of a 17-year-old female learner.
- The alleged incident occurred at a school in the Lebowakgomo policing area and was reported by the victim’s family to the police.
- The case has been postponed until 20 October 2025 and is being handled by the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit.
Cornelius Sebothoma, a 51-year-old school principal, has been granted R3 000 bail after being charged with the sexual assault of a 17-year-old female learner.
The alleged incident occurred at a school in the Lebowakgomo policing area and was reported by the victim’s family to the police.
The case has been postponed until 20 October 2025 and is being handled by the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit.
A Limpopo school principal, accused of sexually assaulting a student, has been released on bail following an appearance at the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court.
Cornelius Sebothoma, 51, was granted R3 000 bail on Thursday. The case has been postponed until 20 October 2025 for further proceedings.
The alleged incident occurred at a school in the Lebowakgomo area. According to police reports, a 17-year-old female student had gone to the principal’s office to retrieve her mobile phone, which had been confiscated by a teacher.
The student reportedly made multiple attempts to collect her phone but was unable to find the principal. She returned to the school on a Saturday morning to try again. It is alleged that upon her return, the principal instructed her to come to his office alone. The victim’s friend waited outside while she went inside, where the principal allegedly assaulted her.
The student promptly reported the incident to her family, who then reported the matter to the Lebowakgomo Police Station on Wednesday.
The case was immediately referred to the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit, leading to the principal’s swift arrest and a charge of sexual assault.
In a statement, the Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, expressed her concern, stating,
“It is deeply disturbing when those entrusted with the care and education of our children allegedly abuse their positions of authority. Schools should be safe havens for learning, not places where children fear for their safety.”
She further commended the victim’s bravery and assured the community that a thorough investigation would be conducted.
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