Staff Reporter
THE Ministry of Education, Innovation, Youth, Sport, Arts and Culture has officially closed Ebenezer Royal Primary School in Omuthiya after the private school was found to be operating without registration.
The closure comes amid allegations of sexual abuse involving hostel learners, with the Oshikoto education directorate now placing learners at other schools.
The school’s former administrator, 42-year-old Frans Johannes, is facing seven counts of rape allegedly involving girls aged between five and 10. The alleged incidents reportedly occurred on different occasions during 2025 and 2026 at the school’s hostel, where Johannes’ wife worked as a matron.
Johannes was denied bail after the State opposed his release and remains in custody. He is expected to make his second appearance in the Omuthiya Magistrates’ Court on 12 October 2026.
The education directorate said the school had been operating since 2022 but was not registered with the ministry.
Oshikoto Education Director Hilma George-Nuunyango said parents should verify the registration status of private schools before enrolling their children.
“I should also urge our parents to be on the lookout and not to register children in any private school they just see operating there, but to always ask for a registration certificate,” George-Nuunyango said.
She said registered private schools are issued registration certificates by the ministry, which parents should request before enrolling their children.
The directorate said the school was not being closed because of the allegations against Johannes, but because it was operating without the required registration.
“This is not the first school to be closed because it is not registered,” the directorate said.
The allegations have, however, raised concerns among parents about the safety of their children.
Paulus Shikukwete, whose son attended the school, said he was disappointed by the situation and intended to move his child to a government school.
“I know my child is not a victim, but I’m not really sure. And the school is not registered. We always came here asking, and people said the school was registered. I’m really disappointed,” he said.
Shikukwete welcomed the closure but said parents were unhappy about the circumstances surrounding the school.
The mother of one of the alleged victims said learning that her child had allegedly been abused at school was devastating.
“Hearing that my child had been abused at school by a 42-year-old man, Frans Johannes, shattered my heart. No parent should ever have to hear those words,” she said.
She said children deserved to feel safe at school and expressed hope that justice would be served and that her child would receive the support needed to recover from the experience.
The Oshikoto education directorate has placed learners from Ebenezer Royal Primary School at different schools within the Omuthiya circuit following the decision to shut down the institution.
PICTURED: Oshikoto Education Director Hilma George-Nuunyango. Photos: Ministry of ICT Oshikoto regional office
