SECUNDA – A teacher from a local school was arrested on Saturday, 22 May.
He is currently facing 18 charges of sexual assault, self sexual assault and compelled sexual assault on five learners under the age of 18 years.
Although several children have come forward, it is believed that more children were subjected to his “grooming”.
The man was set for a bail hearing on Monday 24 May, however, this was postponed to Thursday, 27 May.
The state opposed bail.
Adv Tracy Keen-Horak for the prosecution, argued that although the accused had been forthcoming with information and cooperated with the investigating officer from the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit (FCS), they fear he might make contact with the victims on social media platforms.
Concerns were raised that he could create a fake social media account or manipulate fellow learners to intimidate the victims.
Adv Keen-Horak said the state has to act in the best interest of not only the victims, but all other children.
There were also concerns over the public outcry once the story made media headlines that bail was granted.
The accused’s attorney, Mr André de Waal, questioned the fear of a public outcry.
He said his client would relocate to KZN and will follow the procedure to report to the nearest police station every week.
He would also make sure his client would be present for every court appearance.
Mr De Waal said his client was willing to accept, as a bail condition, a ruling that he does not teach or work with children while he is awaiting trial.
According to the investigating officer, the school acted quickly and suspended the teacher with immediate effect.
After hearing the arguments from both the prosecution and the defence, Magistrate Faith Kekana ruled that the matter stand over to the following day for her to give her verdict.
However, due to a power outage at the Secunda Magistrate’s Court on Friday, his bail application was moved to Tuesday, 1 June.
The names of the school and the teacher have been withheld to protect the victims involved.
The school did not want to comment on the matter at the time of going to press.
