A teacher at a Grootfontein primary school has been arrested in connection with alleged sexual assault involving schoolgoing boys.

The Ministry of Education, Innovation, Sports, Youth and Culture has expressed shock at the alleged assault involving boys at the Wilhelm Nortier Primary School in Grootfontein.

The Education Ministry has condemned the incident, saying it will cooperate fully with law enforcement authorities.

The teacher remains in police custody but has resigned from the teaching profession while preliminary investigations are ongoing at the school.

The Ministry of Education says its officials are working closely with law enforcement authorities and will ensure that all affected learners receive the required protection and psychosocial support.

The Ministry has appealed to the Grootfontein community to remain calm and allow the law to take its course.