Amanzimtoti teacher’s rape case postponed

THE case of a special needs school teacher accused of raping one of his learners was postponed after his appearance in the Umlazi Magistrate’s Court on September 16, to allow for further investigation.

The teacher, arrested earlier this month, allegedly called the mother of a 16-year-old female learner – thinking it was the child’s phone – warning her not to speak about the incident to avoid him losing his job. The mother later recorded a phone conversation between her daughter and the teacher, during which he reportedly made further incriminating statements about sexual relations with the autistic learner.

Also read: Rape-accused forgoes bail at Umbumbulu Court

The identities of the teacher, the school and the mother are being withheld to protect the privacy of the child. Since the incident came to light, the mother reported that her daughter has stopped attending school.

“She doesn’t talk much about what happened but has been receiving counselling at Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital,” the mother shared.

The South African Positive Women Ambassadors (Sapwa), a non-profit organisation advocating for the rights of women and children, launched an online petition demanding that the teacher be denied bail. The organisation is also calling for an investigation into the school, which they accuse of failing to report the incident to the girl’s parents for five days after becoming aware of it.

“Our fight for justice for learners with disabilities has brought to light a deeply troubling situation. What makes this case even more egregious is the school’s delay in informing the family,” Sapwa stated in the petition.

The teacher remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in court again on October 15 where he will apply for bail.

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