A Gauteng principal found guilty of sexually molesting two Grade 12 girls was suspended on Thursday, the provincial education department said.

Spokesperson Mbela Phetlhe said Hoer Volkskool principal Theuns Botha was found guilty of sexually molesting two girls by the Benoni Magistrate's Court last month.

"He was served with a letter of suspension today [Thursday]. The department views these allegations in serious light and has thus taken the decision to suspend Mr Botha from duty with immediate effect pending the investigation and possible disciplinary hearing."

Phetlhe said the department was of the view that Botha's presence at the school may put other girl pupils at risk.

Botha was put on precautionary suspension with full pay pending the date and the outcome of the investigation and possible action against him, Phetlhe said.