FREE
Established 1991
Wednesday, 18 March 2026
Learners, school staff continue with lessons
Gates open despite risk TEBOHO SETENA
The Matla Primary School in Phase 6, Bloemfontein, has re-opened amid parents’ grave concerns over incomplete repair work to ensure compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA). Most learners returned to school on Monday 16 March after a temporary closure on 5 March due to transgressions of health and safety regulations. On Thursday a handful of children attended, with parents citing poor communication about the school re-opening. The Department of Employment and Labour’s inspection team enforced a prohibition notice until the Free State Department of Education fully implemented corrective measures aligned with health and safety regulations. The inspection was conducted on 19 February, resulting in both contravention and prohibition notices being served to the Department of Education. The Department of Labour enforced the prohibition to safeguard the lives of personnel, teaching staff and learners. This was after finding the conditions too risky for continued
occupational use. Teaching continues at the school, in parallel with repair work by the appointed company. Gravely concerned parents lamented the fact that 14 days of learning have been lost unnecessarily, blaming the Department of Education. Two parents, speaking anonymously, pointed out that the temporary closure was avoidable. “It is unforgivable for the department to risk the lives of people, failing to do the right thing – to comply with regulations,” said the angry woman. Angry parents stood for hours by the gate on Thursday, seeking an explanation about the situation and arrangements for teaching and learning to continue, while risks existed as highlighted by the Department of Labour. Manelisi Luxande, provincial chief inspector, said an inspection conducted by the Department of Labour in terms of the OHSA uncovered serious and unacceptable non-compliance. In a statement issued, he pointed out that a kitchen and mobile classroom were operating without temperature regulation and recording temperatures exceeding 30°C. Risk factors include water leaks causing pooling around electrical fixtures, increasing the risk of electrocution.
Parents and children attending the Matla Primary School in Phase 6, at the gate of the school. PHOTO: Teboho Setena
Teacher found guilty of concealing dark truth involving son LIENTJIE MENTZ A 44-year-old teacher was sentenced for failing to report a statutory rape case involving a minor. Sgt Mahlomola Kareli, spokesperson for the Free State police, said the sentencing served as a stern reminder that those who have a legal obligation to protect children, will be held accountable if they choose silence
over justice. The conviction stems from a case of rape that was reported at the Navalsig Police Station on 15 March 2022. It was reported that a 11-year-old victim had allegedly been raped in an open field during December 2021 while visiting her paternal grandfather. The investigation was spearheaded by Detective WO Arlene Snyman of the Parkweg Family Violence, Child
Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) unit, working in close collaboration with Advocate Ronel Botha of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). Detailed investigations revealed a disturbing series of events involving the grandfather’s wife, a 44-year-old professional teacher. It was discovered that the accused was aware that her 15-year-old son had allegedly raped the victim.
Rather than reporting the matter to authorities or the victim’s parents, the accused took the girl to a local pharmacy to purchase “morning-after” pills to prevent pregnancy. Despite being a professional educator, a position that carries a mandatory reporting duty, she intentionally withheld information from the police. The woman was arrested on 31 August 2022. While the case against
the 15-year-old son was subsequently withdrawn, the mother was pursued for her failure to report the incident as required by law. The Bloemfontein Magistrates’ Court found the accused guilty. She was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment, wholly suspended for five years, on condition that she is not convicted of a similar offense during the period of suspension.