Eastern Cape Education MEC Fundile Gade said he welcomed a decision by a magistrate attached to the Ntabankulu Magistrates Court who has recused himself from a rape case involving a Grade 12 pupil.
The alleged perpetrator in the case is the school principal of a Senior Secondary School in the area, and the magistrate acknowledged that they know each other personally.
Magistrate Njongo Mabena would have presided over the case of the 59-year-old before recusing himself this week.
Department spokesperson Vuyiseka Mboxela says the suspect was arrested on the 10th of June following complaints by pupils at the school and a protest by the community.
Mboxela also confirmed that the school principal, who has been in custody since his arrest, had also been placed on precautionary suspension by the department.
She says MEC Gade commended Magistrate Mabena for his ethical and professional conduct.
Mabena said MEC Gade would personally be present in court when the case resumes later in June.
She says the accused is expected to apply for bail.
