Umqhele Secondary School teacher in court on rape charges
After being on the run for several days reportedly for raping a Grade 10 learner, the teacher surrendered to the police.
A 38-year-old teacher from Umqhele Secondary School in Ivory Park appeared in the Thembisa Magistrate’s Court on May 20 for allegedly raping a 16-year-old Grade 10 learner.
The case was postponed to May 27 for bail.
The Gauteng Department of Education stated the incident allegedly occurred on May 14 and was reported to the district.
A case of rape was opened the following day.
Gauteng SAPS spokesperson Capt Mavela Masondo told Thembisan the suspect was on the run for several days and surrendered to the police on May 19.
“He appeared in court facing rape charges,” said Masondo.
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Panyaza Lesufi, the Gauteng MEC for education, was present on the day of the court appearance.
“Both educators and officials in the GDE have a sacred responsibility to ensure the safety and security of learners entrusted to their care,” said Lesufi.
“Any educator or official who preys on learners should be removed from the education system.
“We will continue to support the victim and all affected by this alleged incident. We can only imagine the anger and disappointment the family of the learner is going through following the betrayal of their trust by a person they had trusted,” said Lesufi.
“We have faith and trust in the police to ensure that the suspect, if found guilty, serves a prison sentence. We now leave this matter in the hands of our judicial system and trust that justice will prevail.”
The GDE also initiated disciplinary proceedings against the alleged perpetrator.
“The suspect handed a letter of resignation, which will undergo all the necessary departmental processes,” said Lesufi.
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