Unaware of sexual abuse, says head of Oprah Winfrey's school

The former headmistress of Oprah Winfrey's school for disadvantaged girls in South Africa says she was unaware of allegations that a dormitory matron sexually abused students.

"Contrary to reports, I had no knowledge of abuse. I did not and would never participate in any such coverup," Nomvuyo Mzamane said in a statement issued through her U.S.-based lawyer.

Winfrey announced Monday that Mzamane's contract would not be renewed, indicating that school officials had ignored complaints from the girls and tried to keep allegations from her.

Mzamane was suspended last month after allegations surfaced that one of the dormitory matrons was abusive.

Virginia Makopo, 27, faces 13 charges of indecent assault, assault and criminal injury committed against at least six students ages 13 to 15 and a 23-year-old at the school. Makopo, who said she was innocent, was freed on bail Monday.

Winfrey, who was a victim of child abuse, promised an overhaul of the school and said she had apologized to parents.

Winfrey opened her Leadership Academy for Girls outside Johannesburg on Jan. 2, with celebrities including Tina Turner and Spike Lee onhand, along with former President Nelson Mandela.

Via nydailynews