SOUTH AFRICA:Fresh details have emerged surrounding the suspension of an employee at Oprah Winfrey's plush Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa.
Newspapers have reported that a matron at the school near Vereeniging is being investigated for allegedly "fondling" one of the pupils, and assaulting another.
Police said they were awaiting the outcome of an internal inquiry at the institution before deciding whether or not to open a criminal case against the accused.
The incident threatens to damage the reputation of a school that has been criticised in some quarters for being "too strict" on its pupils.
The 268 million rand (€28 million) academy was opened amid great fanfare by chat-show queen Winfrey last January.
Located at Henley-on-Klip, 80km (50 miles) south of Pretoria, it features science labs, computer rooms, a 600-seat theatre, and even a yoga room, laid out over 52 manicured acres.
Winfrey herself selected the first group of 150 girls, all of whom were drawn from less-privileged backgrounds.
While the school has facilities unparalleled in South Africa, a small number of parents have publicly complained about the living conditions their children face.
The academy prohibits the use of mobile phones and e-mail during the week, and operates a rewards system aimed at inculcating discipline. A few months ago, it cut the number of family visits allowed from once a fortnight to once a month, prompting some parents to compare the school to a reformatory.
Afrikaans newspaper Rapport said the matron at the centre of the controversy allegedly grabbed a girl by the throat and threw her against a wall.
The employee is also accused at swearing and screaming at the girls, and of indecently fondling at least one child.
The school has refused to confirm or deny the reports, saying the inquiry - led by a private investigator flown in from the US - should be allowed to take it course.
Winfrey has also flown to South Africa and reportedly spent a two-hour meeting with parents over the weekend to allay their fears.
In a statement, the TV star said: "Nothing is more serious or devastating to me than an allegation of misconduct by an adult against any girl at the academy. I will do everything within my power to ensure their safety and wellbeing."
It is understood the allegations came to light when one of the girls ran away from the school. According to Rapport, the girl in question returned home and informed her parents of the matron's behaviour.
John Samuel, the academy's chief executive, said child protection services had been notified. While he was reluctant to give details, he said the allegations were "based on one serious claim of misconduct", adding that "immediate action" was taken to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the pupils.
Winfrey earlier this year topped a survey to find the most generous celebrity philanthropist in the US.
She donated more than $50 million of her fortune to charity last year.