THE KZN MEC for Education, Mthandeni Dlungwane, has laid criminal charges against a Nquthu teacher who is accused of sexually assaulting at least four high school pupils.
This after a graphic video clip of the Ekucabangeni High School teacher having sexual intercourse with a pupil was widely circulated on social media.
Dlungwane confirmed the charges on Thursday while addressing pupils at the school.
‘We have a responsibility to protect the children whose parents send them to school in the hope that they will be safe,’ a media report quoted him as saying.
‘But this teacher seems to think they are there to be abused.’
Statutory rape charges have been opened and in the interim the teacher has been suspended and a senior education department official has been appointed to lead an investigation at the school.
The teacher allegedly sexually assaulted at least six girls between the ages of 14 and 16.
‘Any teacher who sleeps with a child or who impregnates a pupil has fired himself,’ Dlungwane said.
‘It’s a crime we cannot forgive. We can’t have teachers who take advantage of the fact that we have put our trust in them and then they sleep with learners. We cannot accept that‚’ he said.
Dlungwane also met with parents‚ the school governing body and teachers as pupils had told him other teachers were also implicated.
‘The investigation has started now and I am expecting a report within the next two weeks, as well as about other teachers who are implicated.’
As officials and law enforcement come to grips with the situation, pupils took action earlier this week and burnt down a cottage where the incident caught on camera allegedly took place.
They have demanded that the teacher not be permitted on the school premises.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp – 072 069 4169
Instagram – zululand_observer
