Preschool worker appears in court on charges of molesting two young girls

A 43-year-old preschool assistant has been charged with two counts – one for child rape and another for sexual assault.

Brian Nkosi (43), who worked at Buhle Buyeta Preschool at New Village in Emjindini, appeared in the Barberton Magistrate’s Court last Thursday and Friday. He was remanded in custody and appeared again yesterday (November 11).

Nkosi was arrested on Monday, November 3 at his place of work – Buhle Buyeta Preschool – on suspicion of rape and sexual assault.

According to Barberton police spokesman, Const Tutu Nkosi, both victims were not learners of the preschool.

She said both cases happened on October 4 but were only reported to the police on November 3.

“On Saturday, October 4 at about 12:00, an 11-year old girl was suspected to have been raped by a man (Nkosi). The incident happened on the preschool premises. It was alleged that the child was walking on the street when the suspect called her and raped her,” said Const Nkosi.

Const Nkosi said the rape complaints were only reported to the police on November 3 and the docket was opened on the same day.

She said on a date a victim can’t remember, another 11-year old girl was allegedly sexually assaulted by Nkosi.

“It was alleged that the victim took her younger sister, who was a toddler, to Buhle Buyeata every day before going to her own school. Nkosi is also allegedly to have forcefully kissed and touched her private parts,” said Const Nkosi.

Both cases were reported to the police on November 3 – almost after a month it happened.

Nkosi was arrested the next day (November 4) at the preschool premises. Both victims attend schooling at Ngwane Combined School in Emjindini.

Nelsiwe Nkosi, a teacher at Buhle Buyeta, said they were not aware of the incidents until when they saw police arrest Nkosi. “We take good care of the children we look after. This is a very unfortunate incident. I have heard that both girls attend Ngwane. As a preschool we can’t comment and we will leave everything in the hands of justice,” said Nkosi.

Const Nkosi said the case was being handled by the family violence, child protection and sexual offences unit.

Meanwhile, should Nkosi be found guilty on the charges, his name will be entered to the South Africa’s national register of sex offenders.

The register, which came into effect in 2009, list the details of anyone convicted of a sexual offence against children or a person with disabilities.

Those listed on the register are prohibited from working with children or the mentally disabled and from adopting children or acting as foster parents. The register is not accessible to the public.