Close to 100 former pupils and community organisations have protested outside a Cape Flats school on Monday in support of the principal who had been accused of molesting a girl.
The crowd came armed with loud speakers and placards, proclaiming Wesbank High School principal, Douglas Jacobs, an innocent man who had honour and respect for his pupils.
Some of the placards read: “He is a trustworthy and honest person” and “We stand by you.”
Jacobs, whose been the palie for 15 years, was arrested on Valentine’s Day, 14 February.
He made his first court appearance the next day.
PLACARDS: Posters held by former and current pupils. PHOTO: SUPPLIED.
He’s been released on bail and was warned to be back at court on 4 April.
He has also been warned not to make contact with the 14-year-old complainant.
It’s alleged that Jacobs had called the teen to his office where he apparently fondled her breasts behind closed doors.
The traumatised child has since been transferred to another school and lives in another suburb with a relative.
But former pupil, Regina Manuel, who matriculated in 2008, believes Jacobs is innocent and says the protest was not aimed at lashing out at the alleged victim.
SCENE: Controversial Wesbank High School. PHOTO: SUPPLIED.
“Based on his character and the man we know, it is enough to know that he is innocent,” she claims.
“I was a [pupil] 15 years ago when he started there. We had an encounter in matric where he stood up for me and others.
“There were many occasions where I was alone in his office with him and he never looked at me with lust.
“I do not think you become a paedophile overnight. Why would he risk his character for such allegations?
“We are also not wanting to make this child scared. We are doing this for him.”
Another former pupil, Bevan Jacobs, adds: “The protest included former pupils and community structures and even current pupils and parents.
“We are calling on the prosecuting team to investigate properly and give the proof.”
Another former pupil, who asked not to be identified, says mothers have trusted their girls with Jacobs.
ACCUSED: Douglas Jacobs. PHOTO: SUPPLIED.
“One mother said she put five daughters through that school and there were no questions of that nature and no accusations.”
In addition to criminal charges, Jacobs also faces a Western Cape Education Department internal hearing.
Jessica Shelver, the spokesperson for MEC for Education, Debbie Schäfer, confirmed an investigation is underway and that the principal has been booked off sick until March.
She said the alleged victim had been transferred at her mother’s request.
genevieve.serra@inl.co.za