The Eastern Cape Department of Education has suspended a 34-year-old male teacher from Ludidi High School in Matatiele, under the Alfred Nzo West District, following charges of rape against him.
It is alleged that the incident took place during school hours after the suspect and the victim had dropped off a sick student at a local clinic. The suspect then asked the victim to accompany him home to offload some goods from the back of his vehicle, leaving the sick student inside the clinic. The victim agreed, but upon arriving at the suspect’s house, he forcefully removed her uniform. Despite her attempts to resist, the suspect overpowered and raped her.
The victim reported the rape to a local police station, and the South African Police Service (SAPS) informed the school management of the allegations. The victim was taken to the local Thuthuzela Care Centre for medical assistance. The suspect has since been arrested and has appeared before a magistrate for a formal bail hearing.
The Department of Education has dispatched a team of psychologists and social workers to support the victim. The Alfred Nzo District is arranging for a substitute teacher to take over the suspect’s duties.
According to Department of Education spokesperson Mali Mtima, suspending the alleged perpetrator is intended to protect the learner’s right to education. MEC for the Department of Education Fundile Gade has cautioned all educators against abusing the learners they are entrusted to protect.
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