Three teachers accused of having sexual relations with pupils at a secondary school in Mohlakeng may have been framed.
The case, which has made headlines in the Herald and in the national press, involves the alleged sexual harassment of 16 pupils, of which eight are now believed to have been bribed and instructed to implicate the teachers.
According to West Rand District municipal spokesperson, Dennis Mangope, the charges against the teachers is part of a conspiracy, influenced by internal personal issues of jealousy and character assassination.
“It has emerged that pupils have been used, without their parents’ consent, to accuse teachers of having had sexual relationships with them,” says Mangope.
“The disciplinary hearing process has been ongoing since February 2013 to date and parents and some teachers feel that this is a conspiracy that has been formulated by senior management in the school.
“It has come to our attention that one pupil was coerced into alleging that she was impregnated by one of the teachers, and that another pupil and her parents were apparently bribed by the principal and the charging officer in the hearing.”
Mangope says some of the parents were never even consulted by the school regarding the charges that was brought by their children against the teachers.
Mangope says that District Education Director, Peter Skhosana is also alleged to be implicated in the case.
“Mr Skhosana was seen and heard in one meeting in Westonaria to have promised some teachers that the three educators will be fired,” says Mangope.
Mangope has urged parents and pupils to come forward and help them with the investigation.
“We will appreciate any information that may shed some light on this case.
“There is a strong possibility that the charges against these teachers have no substance.”
Anyone with any information about this case, is urged to contact Mangope on 071 605 8916.
Watch this space for more as this story develops.
