A teacher from a school in Tumahole, facing charges of alleged sexual assault and rape, will appear in the Parys Magistrate’s Court again on December 9 for a formal bail application. He will remain in custody until his next court appearance.

The incidents related to the claims are said to have occurred in 2022.

In a statement last week following the arrest of the teacher, the Department of Education reacted, saying the safety of learners is “non-negotiable”, and expressed deep concern over the allegations involving an educator at the school.

The department emphasised that the dignity and well-being of learners remain its highest priority, and that any form of gender-based violence or exploitation within schools is treated with the utmost seriousness.

According to the department’s spokesperson, Howard Ndaba, measures were introduced to support affected learners and to determine whether school management had followed all mandatory reporting procedures.