A primary school teacher has been arrested on a charge linking him to the rape of a minor in his school.

“The zero tolerance by the police who deal with cases of abuse against women and children led to the arrest of a rape suspect today by the FCS Unit,” stated the Lulekani Police spokesperson, Sergeant Reoh Mabunda.

The police also confirmed that the teacher, who may not be mentioned because of the sensitivity of the case, was arrested on Monday, September 23, and is facing one charge of rape of minor.

It is alleged that the suspect, who works as a teacher in one of the local schools within the Lulekani policing precinct, was arrested after a case was opened.

It is further alleged that the ordeal surrounding this rape has been taking place since 2018 until recently when the matter was reported to the police.

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“The relentless and hard work by the special investigating team proved to be a success after they ensured that the suspect was arrested,” continued Mabunda, also stating at the time of going to print that the suspect had appeared before the Lulekani Magistrate Court and was remanded in custody pending further police investigations which will divulge all the relevant details in the matter.

The details of both the suspect and the victim will not be divulged in order to protect the identity of the victim.

The Lulekani Police Station Commander Lieutenant Colonel Mackenzie Prince Mkansi condemned the gruesome incident.

Moreover he praised the dedicated investigating officers for their efforts, after they apprehended the suspect.

“I strongly condemn this kind of conduct by the suspect where, instead of protecting the minor victim, he decided it was best to violate her rights. All my praises are aimed at the great performance and a swift reaction by the investigating team after ensuring that the suspect had been put behind bars,” stated the Commander.

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“I would like to send a clear message to all the suspects, that as the police, we are in the right position of sweeping away all those who are involved in any criminal activities without any mercy,” he stated.

“We would like to request that community members be patient while justice takes its course. However, we promise to work tirelessly until this case is finalised,” concluded the station commander.

Herald contacted the school principal, who told Herald that she was not in the position to comment, however she advised us to contact the Department of Basic Education Spokesperson, Elijah Mhlanga.

At the time of going to print Mhlanga could not be reached.

Herald managed to get a comment from the Provincial Spokesperson of the Limpopo Department of Education, Sam Makondo, who said that “Every person who is a citizen of the Republic of South Africa must respect the laws of the country. We have confidence in our justice system.”