London, Oct 23 (ANI): Oprah Winfrey jetted to South Africa at the weekend over claims of sexual misconduct at her exclusive girls' school south of the nation's capital Johannesburg.

The visit was Oprah's second in less than ten days. It followed an admission last week that one of the matrons at the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls had been charged with misconduct.

John Samuel, the chief executive of the academy, said in a statement that an internal investigation was being carried out and that the South African police's family violence, child protection and sexual offences unit (FCS) had been informed.

"The inquiry is being conducted in a manner that supports the safe and nurturing environment of the academy, with minimal disruption to campus life. In addition, the academy is providing psychological support and counselling services to our learners," Times Online quoted him, as saying.

The misconduct came to light when one of the pupils ran away from the school. The Afrikaner-language newspaper Rapport then reported that the matron in question allegedly grabbed a girl by the throat and threw her against the wall.

Other charges that were levelled were that the matron swore and screamed at the girls, assaulted them and sexually fondled at least one of them.

Oprah, who was also abused as a child, issued a statement saying: "Nothing is more serious or devastating to me than an allegation of misconduct by an adult against any girl at the academy." (ANI)