Former school administrator and pastor Izak Greyling (55) appeared before the Excelsior Magistrate’s Court in the Free State on July 14, 2026, charged with allegedly failing to report sexual abuse of a vulnerable person. The case has been in court since 2020.
The proceedings were postponed until November 10, 2026 for further hearings. The charge concerns an alleged failure to report suspected abuse of a vulnerable person, and the matter remains in court. Greyling is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
When the allegations first came to light, Greyling was principal of Ezekiel Christian School in Tweespruit and later became principal. After questions from the media Die sonthe school informed parents that he had been suspended pending an internal investigation. He resigned before that process was completed.
Current director Leon Sounes confirmed the resignation when contacted by IOL.
“Yes, Izak has resigned,” he said.
Asked whether the school’s investigation had reached a conclusion, Sounes replied: “The school conducted an investigation and the conclusion was that Izak resigned from the school. The school considers the matter closed.”
According to Sounes, Greyling no longer has any involvement with the school. Asked what measures have been taken to protect students while the criminal case is pending, he said the school could not comment on the details as the matter is before the courts, but added: “We would like to reassure parents and the public that the protection of students is our top priority.”
The case has also raised concerns within the Tweespruit community about child protection and reporting of suspected abuse.
A counselor who provides therapy services shared it IOL that several people had approached him with concerns about Greyling. He said he tried to report the information to the South African police but was told he could not open a case because he was neither the parent nor the victim. IOL has not independently verified that interaction with SAPS.
A second independent source also confirmed that similar concerns had been raised by community members. These accounts have not been tested in court.
The Children’s Act 38 of 2005 imposes a legal duty on certain professionals to report reasonable suspicions of child abuse. It also provides anyone who believes a child is in need of care and protection the opportunity to report his or her concerns to the South African Police Service, the Department of Social Development or a designated child protection agency. The law does not require that the person making the report be the child’s parent or guardian.
In 2025, private investigator Ben Almero of Ben Almero Private Investigation (Pty) Ltd in Tweespruit said he opened his own investigation after being contacted by a concerned member of the community. He later set up a special tip line to encourage potential victims and witnesses to come forward.
Almero said one of the biggest obstacles in cases involving children is the stigma surrounding abuse.
“People often turn a blind eye,” he said. “I will leave no stone unturned when it comes to protecting children in our community.”
Greyling also remains connected to Agape Community Church, the governing body of Ezekiel Christian School.
Pastor Alan Ogilvy, head of the Free State chapter of The Christian Network (TCN), said IOL he trusted that the leadership of Agape Community Church would handle the matter appropriately.
Celeste Louw, General Operations Manager of the TEARS Foundation, declined to comment on the details of the current case, but said the issues extend far beyond a single prosecution.
“Protecting children is not optional. Every child has the right to be safe, and every adult and every institution has a responsibility to protect them.”
Louw also addressed what she described as a common misconception.
“No one should ever be told that he or she cannot report because he or she is not the child’s parent.”
Although South Africa has strong child protection laws, she says consistent implementation remains a challenge.
“Every report matters. Every action matters. Every child matters.”
This is not the first time Greyling has faced criminal charges.
In 2019, he appeared in court to face charges that while serving as a hostel director at a private Christian school in Ventersburg, he sexually abused a five-year-old child in 2004. The case was eventually thrown out without conviction after repeated delays, with some witnesses dying and others failing to appear.
Greyling is due to appear in the Excelsior Magistrate’s Court on November 10, 2026.
In addition to the criminal proceedings themselves, the case has renewed discussion about mandatory reporting requirements, child protection measures and the responsibilities of schools, churches and other institutions when allegations involving children emerge.
Anyone with information about a child’s safety can report their concerns to the South African Police Service, the Department of Social Development or a designated child protection agency. Those in need of support can also contact TEARS Foundation’s 24-hour helpline.
Izak Greyling was contacted for comment but did not respond by time of publication.
Bianca van Wyk
iol.co.za
