The sentencing of Leornard Soviya, a former KwaZamokuhle Secondary School mathematics teacher convicted of the sexual assault of a learner, has been postponed.

The case was scheduled for sentencing last Friday at the Middelburg Regional Court, and postponed after Soviya was not available on the day.

It is said that the incident occurred in July 2020. According to the teen, Soviya came to her home while she was alone and requested her to phone her mother to loan him R200.

The mother then asked the teen to accompany Soviya to town to withdraw the money. The teen testified that Soviya asked how old she was, whether she was still a virgin, and told her she should use protection. Soviya later told the court he asked this simply as a responsible teacher and was not insinuating anything.

The teen said that when they got to a filling station, Soviya started to kiss her and fondle her inner thighs. During the drive back, she said he continued with the same behaviour. When they stopped at a store, she told the court that he instructed her not to tell anyone about what had happened between them.

The teen added that Soviya continued to fondle her thighs, as well as her breasts, while telling her that he loved her. The victim later informed her mother of what had occurred.

Soviya denied all the allegations; however, he was convicted of the sexual assault charge in August.

• The matter was postponed to February 11, 2026, for sentencing.