Former Kabokweni teacher sentenced for rape of learner

A former teacher was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment by the Nelspruit Sexual Offences Court for the rape of one of his learners in 2019.

The accused was sentenced on Tuesday, October 24.

In a statement by the Mpumalanga National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson, Monica Nyuswa, she said Tshepo Chochi (34), from KaBokweni was conducting extra lessons for learners who were struggling with mathematics and science, with the victim being one of his students.

“Before the incident, the victim requested permission from her parents to attend the classes. The accused was compensated by the victim’s parents for the lessons offered,” said Nyuswa.

ALSO READ: Meet the street vendor who assisted with a birth

“On March 9, 2019, the Chochi called the victim’s aunt and told her to bring the victim for studies. Her aunt complied and accompanied her to the accused’s place, and left her with the accused.

“While busy studying, the electricity went off and the victim requested the accused to accompany her home”

Chochi had then told the victim they would continue with lessons by using the light of a lamp but instead he began touching her inappropriately before raping the victim.

The incident was reported to police and Chochi was arrested.

ALSO READ: Across the Lowveld, snakes are on the move again

Nyuswa said Chochi pleaded not guilty in court but Regional Court prosecutor, John Mahlwele, led evidence of the victim, her aunt, and a boyfriend and the court found their evidence credible, and Chochi was convicted.

“The state handed in a victim impact statement, compiled by the court preparation officer, Zodwa Lekhuleni. In her statement, the victim showed that the incident had psychologically and permanently scarred her. The court found no compelling reasons to deviate from the prescribed minimum sentence of 10 years imprisonment.”