THE Durban drama teacher who is facing 11 charges under the Sexual Offences Act for using children to create child pornography, appeared in court again this week where it was revealed that the 48-year-old man allegedly “groomed” pupils by paying them money for “muscle pictures”, “genital shots”, and “sexual performances” at his Glenwood home.
According to reports in the Mercury, these allegations were made during a bail application hearing on Monday. The teacher allegedly paid one victim about R35 000 over a period of six months for pictures and sexual favours.
Investigating officer Warrant Officer Luke Tancrel, during his evidence in opposing bail, told how the man selected his victims and encouraged them to link up with him on Whatsapp. He said the techer would choose pupils from broken homes or who had no money.
The man was arrested on 19 August after police raided his home and confiscated his computers and a cellphone. He is being held in custody. Police have secured two signed statements from alleged victims and expect at least two more.
According to the media report, a statement read out to the court, the teacher admitted that “certain material” had been found in his possession but said an explanation would be tendered at a later stage.He also said the victims were all over the age of 16, “the age of consent.”
Val Melis, state prosecutor said this was irrelevant as there was no age of consent as child pornography was simply illegal.
Magistrate P Cartwright, will hear closing arguments on Thursday before making a ruling.
