A teacher from a secondary school in Tumahole, facing charges of alleged sexual assault and rape, was granted R10 000 bail in the Parys Magistrate’s Court yesterday, December 17. This follows  his arrest on November 24.

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

In a statement  following the arrest  the Department of Education earlier 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.