National Prosecuting Authority (supplied)
An Eastern Cape school principal accused of child abuse has been granted bail of R2 500 in the Tsolo Magistrate's Court.
The 49-year-old Lubeko Mgandela was arrested on Monday for allegedly coercing an 11-year-old learner to strip-down and enter a pit-latrine to retrieve his cell phone which had fallen in.
NPA spokesperson, Luxolo Tyali, says among his bail conditions is that he not set foot at the Luthuthu Junior Secondary School in Ugie, where the offence was allegedly committed until the case has been finalised.
The state did not oppose bail and the matter was postponed to the 27th of May for further investigation.
It was initially reported that the principal would be charged with attempted murder but the National Prosecuting Authority decided to change it to a charge of child abuse.
Mgandela has since been suspended by the Department of Education in the Eastern Cape who expressed their shock at the incident.
A video of the inhumane incident went viral on social media, which led to an alleged confession.
