The Valhalla primary school teacher accused of sexual and common assault has been granted bail in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court.
Apart from paying R8 000 bail, the teacher has been banned from entering the Valhalla neighbourhood and may not contact his colleagues or witnesses.
The 55-year-old also has to hand over his passport to the investigating officer.
One of the reasons the magistrate gave for granting bail was that it would be in the interest of justice.
ALSO READ: UPDATE: Valhalla school teacher’s sex scandal bail hearing postponed
His defence had initially proposed bail be set at R3 000 but the state suggested the amount of R10 000 so the accused would have more to lose if he decided to abscond.
After proceedings, Gauteng education MEC Panyaza Lesufi said the teacher being granted bail was “disappointing and demoralising”.
“We’re deeply disappointed, but we have faith and confidence in the law enforcement agencies and criminal justice system.”
Lesufi said the department remained hopeful the case would be “appropriately” investigated.
Gauteng education department spokesperson Steve Mabona said the teacher has been in the school’s employ since 2017 and was permanently appointed in January 2019.
ALSO READ: UPDATE: Centurion teacher remains behind bars
#NotInMyName secretary-general Themba Masango said the parents who were present in court were “angry as can be”.
The teacher was arrested on 7 January after he handed himself over to police days after he and his wife returned from a church funeral in Nigeria.
He is due to face 24 charges of sexual and common assault and an alternative charge of crimen injuria.
It is understood he had been an educator for 27 years at the time of his arrest.
The case was postponed to 7 March for further investigation.
ALSO READ: UPDATE: Centurion teacher accused of sexually assaulting 23 learners to appear in court
Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites:
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram
