Rape accusation against ‘top teacher’ leaves learners shaken
A 33-year-old teacher accused of raping a 17-year-old learner was granted bail of R30 000 in the Bolobedu Magistrate's Court last Tuesday.
LIMPOPO –Â The teacher, whose name is withheld until he has pleaded in court, was arrested last Monday.
His alleged victim is from Ga-Ntata village near Ga-Mokwakwaila in the Modjadjiskloof area.
Limpopo Police Spokesperson Col Moatshe Ngoepe said the man is alleged to have raped the girl after giving her a lift from the village near Ga-Mokwakwaila to her home on Sunday evening.
The incident is said to have taken place at the community playground close to her home, at around 21:30, said Ngoepe.
During a visit by CV to the school, the Principal, Andreas Lathane said teachers and learners were shaken by the alleged incident.
He said the accused was a “top teacher” who they relied upon for good pass marks at the end of the year.
Congress of South African Trade Unions and the South African Democratic Teachers Union both expressed dismay at the incident.
If found guilty, the teacher should be expelled from the teaching fraternity and be sent straight to jail.
The Limpopo Department of Education said by means of its Spokesperson, Sam Mokonde, that they expect teachers to be role models in society who are supposed to guide and teach.
“We will support the police in their quest for justice,” said Makonde.
The alleged rape incident comes barely a month after the 17 learners found pregnant at Mulaudzi Secondary School accused some of their teachers of impregnating them.
The teachers are said to have promised them pass marks at the end of the year in return for sexual favours.
The teacher’s case will be heard on 31 October.
