The suspect would remain in custody as his bail application was denied during his court appearance earlier this week.
A 25-YEAR-old former Dikgatlong teacher is expected to appear in the Barkly West Magistrate’s Court next week for allegedly raping a 15-year-old pupil.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Mohale Ramatseba said that the teacher had allegedly raped the pupil between August and October this year.
“The female pupil was allegedly raped on the school premises while receiving extra lessons from the suspect after hours. The suspect was apparently relieved of his duties following the Department of Education’s internal disciplinary processes. The Galeshewe Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit is continuing with the investigation,” said Ramatseba.
He added that the suspect would remain in custody as his bail application was denied during his court appearance earlier this week.
Allegations of sexual offences have also surfaced at a high school in Galeshewe, where a teacher is alleged to have had multiple relationships with female pupils.
It is further alleged that the teacher had fathered a child with one of the pupils who matriculated last year.
The Department of Education has confirmed that it is investigating the matter. The department said disciplinary processes would be followed pending the outcome of the investigation.
Ramatseba urged victims of sexual offences to report such matters to the authorities.
Silence
“Victims of sexual offences are urged to break the silence and allow the law to deal harshly with the perpetrators. Members of the public are encouraged to download the MySAPSApp.
“This is a cellphone application that is available on any iPhone or Android device. The application allows users to have easy access to the police, provide tip-offs and offer information pertaining to crime anonymously.
“Alternatively the public may also call SAPS Crime Stop by dialling 086 00 10111. All information provided will be treated in the strictest confidence.”
Reports of sexual abuse by teachers rose by more than 230% since 2014 the South African Council of Educators (SACE) stated in its 2018/2019 report to Parliament’s portfolio committee on basic education.
Most of the offenders were aged between 45 and 54 the report stated, and 93 cases of sexual misconduct were dealt with by SACE in the year under review.
In another recent case in the Province, a teacher-in-training at a school in Orania was accused of statutory rape for allegedly having sex with a minor.
Carel Boshoff, chairperson of the board of Volkskool Orania, confirmed in reports at the time that the school principal had found out about the allegations when the police’s Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit visited the school on September 16 to investigate a case of child molestation against a student teacher.
He said the teacher was in Johannesburg at the time, completing practical studies.
