LIMPOPO – The Thohoyandou Magistrate’s Court has denied the bail application of the 30-year-old assistant teacher who faces two counts of rape, five counts of child abuse, one count of sexual assault, as well as one count of assault.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) Limpopo spokesperson Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi said in a statement that the man, from Tshitereke village in the Vhembe district, reportedly preyed on an 11-year-old boy and his mother.
“The offences are alleged to have taken place between 2020 and 2021 but were only reported on November 21, 2021 after the victim told his relative,” she explained.
The teacher appeared in the Thohoyandou Magistrate’s Court on Friday (January 21) for a formal bail application.
“During his bail appearance, the man submitted an affidavit that indicated that he would lose his job and suffer financial losses if he spends time in custody while he is ‘innocent’,” Malabi-Dzhangi added.
The prosecution opposed bail and called a witness who indicated the applicant had an assault case opened against him in August 2020. “The complainant was the mother of the same boy. The mother was pregnant with the accused’s child at the time, reconciled with the accused and the case was withdrawn,” the witness explained.
The witness added that the accused would interfere with the victims if he is granted bail, adding that he has access to their home and that the victims are afraid of him. The witness fears the accused might intimidate the victims so that they do not testify against him.
State prosecutor Petronela Mudau told the court the accused is an employee of the Department of Education and works as an assistant teacher at a primary school where he works with minors.
Malabi-Dzhangi said it is for this reason the witness told the court they feel there is a likelihood that he could violate more children.
The teacher heard the fate of his bail application today (January 25). Presiding officer Mukoma Maiwashe said the applicant failed to prove his exceptional circumstances and could likely pose a danger to the victims and witnesses.
Maiwashe denied the accused bail and the case has been postponed to February 28 for the Directorate of Public Prosecution’s decision on the matter.
“The NPA and police condemn the incident in the strongest possible terms. The abuse of children and crimes against women and children will not be tolerated,” Malabi-Dzhangi concluded.
