Parents of former St John's College pupil plan to sue his ex-teacher and school for millions

[@chriasdbogh]

I was a student at St Johns from 2004-2009. The abusers name is BRETT NICHOLSON - never forget

[@StableSaucy]

what did he do

[@squibsp]

​@@StableSaucy watch the video, they don't need to spell out the awful details

[@ShazzaHillary]

Is he a Zionist?

[@gailcullinan]

Was he prosecutednim Rustenburg where the charges were withdrawn?

[@cheriseroberts7146]

And he’s apparently now at Heronbridge collage!

[@MsMandsa]

If a school like St Johns cant keep out a predator...what is happening in our public schools? 😢

[@mazibukomail]

It's even worse in pvt schools

[@coachjoachimroomaney793]

Keep out? No, they let them in freely.

[@coachjoachimroomaney793]

We had a priest at our St John's Greenpoint.

[@coachjoachimroomaney793]

A student did commit suicide as well, after he was out of school.

[@Elfin1993]

Watch/listen to My Only Story. It's happening a lot. Makes sense that paedophiles would be found in schools.

[@Whattheactual411]

Schools cannot sit back and sweep things under the cArpet for the sake of reputational damage. I hope the family wins their case so they can get justice.

[@MsMandsa]

I watched school ties 😢 my heart was gutted when I heard your sons story. We need to protect our boys and our girls!! Thank you for doing this ❤

[@ciandahebe5692]

😢😢 I was in tears right throughout the documentary

[@melanytodd2929]

Please research PBHS, and the book written by Sam Cowan. The COACHES. 😢

[@ciandahebe5692]

@melanytodd2929 yhooo I'm even scared to do so...coz I'm a mon, aunt whose perhaps scared to face the reality of our community

[@colourinmyrainbow]

thank you for this mention... am watching now on the MNet channel.

[@trevoryingwane5714]

Sad story, but well done, Mgambi, for your compassion as a father. Salute, and the family hope they find a closure!!

[@marigoldbeam5475]

An enormous thank you to the parents for taking legal action and exposing the school. This happens globally because schools are more concerned about closing ranks and protecting their 'brand' than properly addressing child abuse and safeguarding issues. The perpetrators move from school to school, often globally, just getting away with this horror. Look at the Anglican church case. The perpetrator came from England, worked there, and then in Zimbabwe and then in South Africa. I know of parents who made reports of child abuse at Peterhouse School, Zimbabwe, in recent years, to the then headmaster from England. His response was to issue a newsletter threatening to take 'severe action against any child' who makes 'false reports' against teachers. A clear threat and effective gagging of child victims, and an absolute dereliction of a duty of care. I state this case because just like in the Anglican church case that perpetrator or perpetrators will not only abuse children in Zimbabwe, but has undoubtedly abused children in the UK already and will be feated and welcomed with opened arms as a British teacher/counsellor/headteacher as he moves on to South Africa, Australia, etc, wherever he decides to next cast his predatory eye. Interestingly, the suspected perpetrator and then the headmaster returned to England rather hurriedly, not long after. (The alleged perpetrator was an Anglican priest and also busied himself with activities at a local orphanage near Peterhouse in Zimbabwe. He had a wife, just like many of them do, to cloak him.) so suspicion is that the school board must have known and quietly taken action to try to avert a future scandal. Again, protecting the school's reputation and brand, but not the children already abused nor the perpetrators' future victims. I wish this family every success in their legal action and hope many more victims and parents in such cases will come forward and take legal action against negligent schools. And many condolences for the incalculable loss of your child.

[@zimpetrichor4919]

Sitting here in Japan playing video games and listening to this lady talk about an extremely terrible situation. I just want to say after listening to her talk, her son must be watching down on her and feeling really proud to have a mother like her. Not only is she a super strong woman but one who adheres to professionalism and logic. I wish her and her family all the best in this tragic situation and as a teacher myself I hope that the school is brought to account because this happens all over the world including here in Japan and the first entity to be unfairly protected is the school, which should not be, as the school is the body of the perpetrator.❤

[@claudineclaukab1017]

My son went for admission interview at St john in 2013 for grade 8 , that was a chief executive's interview to a child ( adolescent) , the atmosphere in the room was hard and not friendly, good he was on waiting list then decided to register him to another school. , he is graduating from wits this month from Medecine. So sad for mother to go through all this Let not focus on academics but as well on all mental and emotions of our children

[@melanytodd2929]

🙏🙏🙏

[@kevinbromfield7595]

St Andrew`s College also had a similar case against them Thomas Kruger commited suicide at St Andrew’s College in Makhanda. Thomas was also abused. In my opinion there is a lot of child abuse going on in this country that is not being reported.

[@Claire11elliott]

An independent assessment - by external quality assurers - performed at my school uncovered physical abuse allegations by teachers and bullying by students on the playground. The school also received the lowest ratings on the scale for all areas of governance. The quality assurers were so shocked by their findings that they forwarded their report to the WC Education Minister. Not only was NOTHING addressed, but the Education Minister enlarged the school to include an extra grade. The principal's abuse has escalated since then because he knows that he can do whatever he feels like doing with impunity!

[@pinky4636]

It is sad that all this happened in school. Especially because it is the place where our children should be "safe". I feel the mother's pain. I'm so sorry for your loss. Love and light to you and your family. 🤍🫂

[@faithsdollsville2662]

Yoh! This is concerning😭. When as a parent you by all means keep your child away from the streets, away from visiting without you.

[@anne-mariewessels710]

It happens in families....the most secure place in terms of love safety & protection.

[@faithsdollsville2662]

@@anne-mariewessels710 yep. That’s why my kids don’t visit without me. I also decided in my teens that when I have kids they not doing any sleep overs except at my mom’s who stays by herself.

[@RayOfLetsatsi]

The SchoolTies Documentary on Showmax has left me completely shocked. It's crazy how paying so much for these schools doesn't even guarantee your child's safety.

[@charmainepriestman915]

I'm so sorry for your loss This is so heartbreaking 💔

[@elizabethlinder5214]

You are so brave Teresa. Keep fighting for your boy .

[@shanadelahaye1213]

This is sad! The school needs to take accountability!

[@CariLWill]

This poor mother 😢

[@innocentia.830]

Teacher's are bullying learners on a daily basis and there is nothing done about that because learners are young they can't fight for themselves 😭 My kids have been bullied by adults teachers.

[@SibongileMahlangu-jc4eq]

True. You will not see it as bullying as we put trust in adults but it hurts.

[@CristineVellozaRybnikar]

You have to say something, fight for your kids because no one else will. I hope your child will overcome this, it’s not fair 😢

[@OnlyRandi]

@innocentia.830 very true I remember I had to fight the schooling system when I was being bullied from primary school up until high school you do find teachers that are bullies and they don't like students who stand up for themselves....hence most children end up taking their lives. When I was in high school I made a teacher write an apology letter to me after she thought she could bully me and treat me anyhow it is sheer nonsense.

[@jae-realistic]

So true and heartbreaking. It goes back again to the teacher being protected and not the other way round.

[@SMDH7656]

Your commitment is so true and such an important topic that needs to be addressed and discussed.

[@melanytodd2929]

I am So so sorry for your loss. Im sobbing right now. My son was at Parktown Boys. He was so bullied by coaches/ teachers that he attempted suicide. He has since developed schizoaffective disorder. Essentially, PTSD on steroids. He was so damaged by waterpolo coaches ( NOT Collan) that they may as well have held his head underwater until he was brain-damaged.

[@yvonnegwamanda363]

I'm so so sorry for your son's and your family's pain and suffering! My heart aches for you! I pray for your healing, and especially your son's healing!

[@franmdleleni6520]

That's so painful for you. Am so sorry

[@jae-realistic]

Its just sad to think that when things like this take place, its the reputation of the school and the "teacher" that are being protected. The children witness this and in turn they believe they are all alone. My heart goes out to you mommy, may you find the comfort you need to cope with this pain.

[@devinaperumal2214]

Heartbreaking. So terribly sad. Hope justice is delivered in his name. Strength & comfort to you & family.

[@jenniferdavies3596]

So sorry for your loss and trauma. Poor Julius, so sad that he suffered for so long and so tragically. May the perpetrator never escape the retribution he deserves. I hope that all the victims institute a class action against the school and teacher.

[@Claire11elliott]

I am a teacher. I have suffered the worst mental / emotional abuse at the hands of my senior colleagues. I also have complex PTSD from those harrowing experiences. I believe that teachers make up the majority of patients at mental health clinics, but I stand open to correction. What people don't realize is that trauma results in physical symptoms - fatigue, headaches, bodily aches and pains, brain fog, compromised immunity and nightmares. The feelings that you experience during the nightmares linger during the day making you feel vulnerable and on edge. I reported my abuse to all manner of authorities, but was treated like a trouble-maker, liar and a nut-job. This child was horrendously abused to the extent that he took his life. I'm glad that this case will open up dialogue about abuse at schools. My lawyer, who has represented many teachers and students, made the following remark: "I've come to the conclusion that most school principals number amongst the scum of the earth." Teachers should also have to undergo personality testing before being, admitted for training. And it is high time that South Africans have toll free, anonymous tip lines to report abuses perpetrated within schools.

[@lindayhukutwana3861]

Unfortunately the department is also full of corrupt mental cases. I think there us such number

[@delenepillay9500]

This is heartbreaking... My condolences to you, your family and all those who loved Julius. The school has to admit their role in this tragic incident. What background checks were done? The perpetrator is free to continue harming children both physically, emotionally and spiritually... He should be in custody... I hope you win this Civil case, so institutions know, we as parent's will exercise our rights as patrons for the safety of the most vulnerable.

[@annebezuidenhout9735]

I'm so sorry for your son! God gives you strength through this difficult and strenuous challenge. The teacher and the principal belong in prison, where they will be groomed and abused by inmates... Shame on you, school!!!

[@cynthiatsuela]

Am deeply sorry for your loss and pain no one deserve this hope you get h Justice for your son

[@lindylambis4828]

Heartbreaking

[@remil-59]

Hope u can sue the reacher who put your son through hell. He doesn't deserve to live his life in freedom while other kids might be his next victim. Lock him away!

[@Wait_WhatNow]

This is absolutely shocking - how can educational institutions not be held accountable for the actions of the individuals they select to employ, and who we entrust with the safety of our children?! A school protecting their “reputation” at the cost of children being harmed to this extent is unacceptable. The hush hush boys club mentality is sickening and has to be stopped before more children are hurt (across our country) - who is protecting our children?

[@nosiphojobela1233]

Being a parent is hard 💔God please protect our children🙏Sending my love to you Teresa❤

[@paballobutelezi5532]

I watched this story on school ties, my heart broke for all the children who had to go through sexual abuse!

[@margaretturner6352]

Disclose his name Brett Nicholson

[@Abundantli]

The mainstream media is not loud enough about this topic. As loud as they usually are about Zuma and state capture news. This deserves full attention and public shaming of this animal of a teacher

[@khensk]

Just applied for my brother at St Johns! I'm in shock!

[@Bee-dp3st]

I hope you change your mind on that.

[@rosieB6760]

With all the signs of the child, how is it possible that parents and maybe psychologists can't find out what is wrong??? Use your energy to get this perpetrator in jail and sue the school for negligence and covering up a crime!

[@Inspirationdiaries]

Thank you for not having Naledi Moleo do this interview. That one is extremely insensitive and has no empathy!

[@giselealmeidavellozakildai3335]

Teresa, my darling friend❤. I'm so sorry this horror has visited your family, your life.

[@Kholmi.28]

If you haven't listened to the podcast My Only Story, particularly S2, I think you should. It covers an eerily similar story from 2018 that occurred at St Andrews College in Makhanda. Same here; the parents try by all means and the school is more concerned in protecting itself and brand. Truly disappointing that predators continue to be protected. Condolences to the family and friends.😔

[@willkrummeck]

I didnt know wow i was a student at uct but i was there in undergrad.

[@Kholmi.28]

@@willkrummeck oh interesting, hi neighbour, I went to Kingswood. No, but it's sad, the poor boy was only 16 when took his own life in the sanatorium under somewhat similar grooming circumstances by a polo coach/maths teacher; David McKenzie. If you get the chance to and are mentally prepared, listen to the podcast.😔

[@deniscoyne5671]

So sorry for your loss, Theresa .

[@africangirllynnekerr6856]

Disgusting behaviour by the school. Especially the school concerned. Nothing in the news either.

[@annieconway8998]

St Johns is hiding. Typical church school shenanigans.

[@mpumemanyathi4292]

May his soul rest in peace 💔💔💔💔

[@nthatomalope]

NAME & SHAME!

[@chriasdbogh]

Brett Nicolson

[@FundiswaDyaba]

💔 Shame my his soul rest in peace

[@davereid-daly2205]

Terrible news all too common these days despite the best protocols put in place. A victim of abuse walks their path in isolation regardless of what help is on offer because reaching out is an embarrassing admission that many children want to avoid. Its very personal not something easily discussed even with a therapist. The humiliation of standing up in court and detailing incidents of abuse can be as traumatic for a victim as the crime itself, which makes court actions very problematic for the child even in filling out a victim statement at the start. Its important to remember that a child's feelings ( their sensitivities) are involved. These instances are never a matter of justice, for the child, perhaps the parent, yes. But most often not the child. Theirs is that long walk to freedom...

[@brideofchrist8295]

They investigated themselves and found themselves not guilty...horrible

[@adriannegrant766]

This has to stop !!!! What the hell is going on at these boys' private schools!!!!

[@RoshilaNair]

Am so sad that your lovely son went through this suffering. When trauma is retriggered and not handled with professional support it can be devastating and literally feels like the breate is being sucked out of your body and a silence you xannot break through engulfs you. It is the absolute sense of shame and anxiety that does this--these are the two corrosive things that happen and that you can't get tgroufht. That's why people suppress trauma. If your son have lived in a society that is gentle and with real bonds of love which equals care, respect, responsibility and knowledge (according to Eric Fromm), he would have been able to withstand the tidal wave of the despair of ruination violation does to a human being. We're not there yet to bring that power of love fully into society that is so selfish and broken. But we are human beings and some of us dive down there to understand what a predatory person does and from there when we surface we can share. Your son would have done the same too but he did not get the chance. And please do not blame yourselves for not knowing what he was going through. One of the things traumatized, violated people do is they cannot disclose or go to their nearest and dearest; they feel the tsunami hitting them and try to protect their loved ones from the truth and horror of violation. Rather, honour and loce your son by thinking about the fact that he did live and feel the hoy of life before the monster molested him and also that he is now at peace. If you can help others have that support, like you are fighting for now, that's great. You are doing a wonderful thing in building that society of love. When i heard your son's story a while back i just sat and cried. I understood how much his freedom meant to him but felt sad that he had to pay the price with his life. But I think he is everywhere now and has returned to pure love.

[@tereceswartz575]

😢 This is so heartbreaking. 💔 My heart goes out to the family…

[@christinefinniss6263]

OMG! How tragic.

[@OnlyRandi]

😢😢😢 this is painful indeed why are sexual predators always part of our societies........must have been a painful experience indeed 😢 💔.

[@truth-Hurts375]

Where were his parents for over a decade ??? On the Moon??? Now they want R60mill... It's nothing but a joke !!!!

[@OnlyRandi]

@truth-Hurts375 the bone of contention here is the crime that happens to students at schooling facilities not about money....also asking where the parents were is a bit unfair don't you think because schooling institutions are supposed to be safe spaces where parents trust that when their children are there they are in safe hands .....not in the hands of sexual predators or wolves in sheepskin.....either way the crime happened and the school and particular persons involved should account.

[@Lmngx13872]

And if the perpetrator is innocent as the school claims why did he choose to run away and leave the school

[@Truthbetold-b4u]

@@Lmngx13872yes and went to a new school to carry on with his monster ways 😢

[@jessicanhlapo9339]

This is a spirit we dealing with. I'm sure the predator was molested somewhere down the line when he was growing. This is saran. He is real. Only the blood of Jesus sets us free so that we don't have to hurt other people ❤

[@pamodoherty7328]

Well done Mum, so sorry for your loss but you are doing the right thing.

[@gailcullinan]

What a joke R 60 M . It will be thrown out. Prosecute the abuser and sue him. He has been named.

[@marthienel2190]

I am so sorry for this tragedy. Tragic that he did not feel at the start that he could go to any responsible adult for help.

[@user-pe8uk4do5j]

Lots of love and Light to the mother, all the victims and their families. Very tragic. If the school covered up the abuse they should be held accountable.

[@richardrosebealprestonjohn3144]

Sadly! This is happening everywhere!

[@louisefenner495]

Deepest condolences to Family and friends xx

[@cventer838]

I am just so stunned! This is heartbreaking. I am so sorry for your loss. Both my boys were in a very prominent Afrikaans Boys School and felt very blessed as was my daughter. They were happy and blessed. I hope they expel that educator like they would laywers who get scrapped from the roll forever! It's so heartbreaking. My youngest finished school in 2021. I can't imagine such a young child going through that, I don't think I'd speak so politely about everything. I'd be besides myself. It's such a prominent school. It's completely unacceptable how the school dealt with this. They should put his face on TV and on the front pages of News Papers, and all social media news! Let nobody ever forget his face. Like the real-estate moguls in USA who were arrested. Their crimes hidden for 20 years. Open it up. It's disgusting! Well done to this mother. But you can never give back a child. May he go to prison. How did this pass by the school's educators, the headmaster? How could they turn a blind eye? I know the competition in such schools are huge, but the kids are bonded and caring towards each other. No school should protect such a teacher, expose and expell them. It's ultimately not what any school stands for, but a sick individual. I have two high schools really close to me, but drove quite far to give my children a better academic future, however, your childs spiritual and emotional health is most important. It's not easy years, teenagehood and university. We pray for our children and give them every bit of support we have to give. My children experienced a friend who ended his own life and it is so, so, so deeply upsetting for all. It hurts us all and it stays with us a lifetime. We are all hurting with you and feeling for you. 😢

[@Truthbetold-b4u]

School ties this was the young man that went overseas and was thriving then came back and parents put him into mental hospital where he took his life 😢😢😢😢😢

[@Mich-x1b]

Yes 😢

[@marthienel2190]

It's a difficult situation. That claim could bankrupt the school, leaving many good teachers unemployed, including those who reported their fellow teacher.

[@hilberryable]

Internal investigations are rarely constructive.

[@SallyReid-n4n]

Sorry! What did YOU do as a parent? Why did you not see the signs? Take responsibility!!

[@mossfairy3060]

So sad 😢

[@johnward4299]

In my opinion it is not just the blatant child abuse that is being committed. It is also the nonchalant, uncaring and lack of understanding displayed by schools management towards children with mental health issues.

[@cheriseroberts7146]

Does anyone know why the trial has not taken place or why the teacher hasn’t been convicted?

[@veegovender5662]

Heartfelt sorrow at your loss. 😢

[@DeniseOsullivan-u2g]

Robin please be more serouis in your part here ,as i found your smiling not suitable in a terrible hurting matter .

[@ellesunshyn]

So sorry for your loss💔

[@theunknown77]

This is the same situation as "The Daystar" dabacle. When the owners of the TV station where /are more interested in protecting the TV network than their own granddaughters mental and physical health after a family member molesting the child. Shocking that Pastors sit back and partake in sweeping this under the table to try preserve the "company" instead of bringing the family member to book and taking the side of the child. Very sad indeed. That once again you see people putting "money income" above doing what is right and exposing sexual predators. Pray God will expose and root out this evil. So sorry for your loss. 🙏🙏🙏

[@sandramace648]

Teachers should be aware also of what's happening and report report

[@vivianidelacerda9708]

Wouldn't someone also sue the parents?

[@ERWINROODT]

How connected to these struggling children are these parents when their children cant' even communicate with them. Very sad that the parents don't spot these problems. This society can't communicate. Huge problem.

[@kateseverein7650]

Yes it makes one wonder why he couldn't speak to his parents or why the parents didn't pick something up

[@jn8922]

I'm disgusted with St Johns. They are protecting their business first, not the children.

[@veronicakarstel9126]

How sad

[@marietjiehildebrandt1324]

😢

[@stevefriend7603]

Why was the child not taken to a phycologist for the night mares? It doesn't help if an parent who is not a mental health professional tried to assess if the dreams where real or not. The fact that they are there is all that's needed. If ur kids struggle, with heavy emotion, if the can't remember an event that allegedly happened, flashbacks, hyper sensitivity to surroundings etc, take the patient to a phycologist.

[@annbremner3292]

Oh oh talk talk. Only solution. Report to Authorities, really. One will really be in trouble then.

[@rolivhuwasadiki4397]

Shuuu!!!💔💔💔💔

[@merleravens2800]

💔💔💔💔😭😭😭

[@ChR-z9e]

My condolences to his mother, family and friends. Gone too soon. What a great loss. Will pray for your family to win this suit. So so sorry for your loss and grief. Will keep you in mu prayers. Such a tragic loss, this case hopefully will bring about change so that predators can get the correct punishment. Again, so so sorry for your loss! 😭

[@annieconway8998]

Should be a police matter!

[@truth-Hurts375]

And the laughable amount of R60mil will fix everything.... If the son was under this enormous emotional stress for over a decade and the parents were unable to realise something is wrong...then there is something wrong with them too....

[@CristineVellozaRybnikar]

Why dont you go have some children and then explain. Just hoping they don’t fall pray to the same thing. Good luck though.

[@Truthbetold-b4u]

Domdoos again doesn’t know what the hell you talking about

[@ZOE_NtombiYaseMancwabeni]

Hard truth....but truth nonetheless

[@janetpretorius4604]

The mother explained that they asked but he couldn't share. Trauma can do that. Think before you comment and try be sensitive to their loss instead of perpetuating the trauma like the school did.

[@willkrummeck]

Yeah i dont know what did they pay? I mean shouldnt the living victims get anything? I thing that the case should be a groupt thing cause else the money will evaporate.

[@tonyduarte1609]

Sad really. Suicide is a choice. You are given a voice when you come here....use your voice. You can always find someone to talk to. He should have been nurtured at home then this may never have occurred. You should have asked why before this terrible tragedy. Parents check yourself. He always had these tendencies. Im sorry for your loss.

[@veronicaneumann329]

Painfully heartbreaking. So many lives ruined.

[@kgosietsilemathibela4191]

I wish you guys in the comments had this same empathy and grace for black students when they speak about racism

[@wristcandy5451]

OMG what has race got to do with this

[@ZOE_NtombiYaseMancwabeni]

​@wristcandy5451 in RSA...everything

[@rosieB6760]

You must be a mad racist yourself, if you compare this to a molesting and suicide case!

[@merrickbluett]

How kak is this presenter!?

[@felicitydowning7970]

Th

[@asthersamlal7832]

But mum why did you not see something was wrong with ur child . parents should be more active with their child and have conversations with your child ..my condolences to u ..But as a mother u should have been more responsible towards ur child ...

[@RethabileMatete-p7w]

Your ignorance is telling

[@asthersamlal7832]

@RethabileMatete-p7w not ignorance ,parents must also be responsible with their kids .. unfortunately..

[@kateseverein7650]

​@RethabileMatete-p7w excuse me do u understand what u wrote

[@Abundantli]

You are incredibly ignorant and its annoying. This level of stupidity is unheard of.

[@Abundantli]

​@@asthersamlal7832 response how? How does a parent do to prevent a monster from abusing their child? Asking questions will do the magic? You must be the most responsible parent on earth and im sure you can read your child's mind and know exactly what they are dealing with. Your comment is annoying you sound like an abuser

[@andremarais2706]

Presenter, just stop the stop start stuttering BS speech style.

[@QueenMaleka-ul8el]

My goodness, you have anger to have such emotions and that language over a complete stranger, I pray you heal

[@andremarais2706]

@@QueenMaleka-ul8el I have no emotions about his. This guy is on TV. He put himself out there. He is not a stranger. He is a public figure. I cannot "heal" to suffer fools gladly. There is nothing to heal. That goes for you too.I do not have to suffer your manipulation either.

[@QueenMaleka-ul8el]

​@andremarais2706 manipulation you say😮 wow, OK love and light to you.

[@andremarais2706]

@@QueenMaleka-ul8el Thanks. You saw the light. Good for you.

[@w.s3602]

Oh go fall in a hole. At least he is doing something to raise awareness about thr sexual abuse of children instead of seeing a problem where the isn't one. I swear, some of yt people focus on nonsense instead of what is really important. If you have nothing meaningful to contribute,hoe jou bek

[@ShazzaHillary]

She's right !