Bloemfontein – A school teacher has been suspended for alleged racism and displaying offensive material, including the old South African flag, in his classroom.

According to a report via ENCA, the South African Human Rights Commission and the Free State education department were investigating the claims.

It comes after two white pupils told their father how a teacher allegedly abused their black classmates.

A visit from the Education Department brought a Wilgehof Primary School teacher’s day to an abrupt end.

Howard Ndaba of the education department said: “We have suspended the teacher, with immediate effect. This is to allow the process of the investigation to take place without any impediment.”

The SAHRC said pupils were warned not to talk to investigators if the principal wasn’t present, forcing the commission to conduct one-on-one interviews with affected children.

Both the department and the commission hope to conclude their investigations in the coming weeks.

The school principal has declined to comment.