A 41-year-old teacher is expected to appear in court on Monday after he was arrested on charges of rape. OFM News earlier reported that the male suspect - who is a teacher of the victim - raped the girl on several occasions between September and October 2020. The departmental spokesperson, Geoffrey van der Merwe, says the department is extremely disappointed by the incident and that the teacher has been placed under preliminary suspension following the alleged sexual misconduct. At this stage, it remains unclear as to whether there are more victims at the school or not.

Following the arrest on Friday, Van der Merwe confirms the learner and her family is still receiving psychosocial support.

“Every child is a national asset, we should protect them at all times. We view this case in a very serious light and therefore it will receive our urgent attention. The department appeals to parents and all schooling communities to guard and protect all our learners, especially as we near the festive season”.

Police provincial spokesperson, Mohale Ramatseba, in a statement confirmed the SAPS Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit is investigating the case.

OFM News