Gauteng: Teacher on the run for alleged rape of pupil

Just a day after a Limpopo teacher appeared in court for the alleged rape of a female pupil, another educator, this time in Gauteng, faces a similar accusation and is believed to be on the run.

According to the Gauteng Education Department, the alleged incident occurred on Friday, 14 May 2021 and was subsequently reported to the district.

The alleged victim is a Grade 10 pupil from Umqhele Secondary School in Ivory Park, Midrand.

A case of rape was opened on Saturday, however the teacher is yet to be arrested as he is alleged to have fled from the authorities, the department said.

Meanwhile, disciplinary proceedings have already been instituted against the suspect, but that’s not all.

“We will immediately report him to all regulatory bodies and add the charge of absconding as well, and, as a precaution, he will not be reporting at school but at the District Office until further notice,” Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi said.

He added that as the department, they are doing their best to provide the necessary support to the learner.

“We have availed our Psycho-Social Unit to provide psycho-social support to the affected learner and those close to her,” Lesufi said.

Lesufi urges police to intensify hunt of alleged rapist teacher

Panyaza Lesufi has, in the meantime, urged the South African Police Service (SAPS) and other members of law enforcement to up their efforts and ensure that the teacher is caught and faces justice for the alleged rape.

“I call on the police to use all resources at their disposal to hunt the educator who is on the run after allegedly raping a learner,” Lesufi said.

The department said it will never allow any of its teachers to abuse their privileged by taking advantage of vulnerable learners.

Lesufi has praised the school in question for its handling of the rape allegation against its teacher.

“We also commend the school for the professional manner in which this whole matter was handled – including immediately informing the parents and taking the victim for immediate medical attention. The school’s action will go a long way in ensuring that the law enforcement agencies have adequate evidence to do their jobs properly”

Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi

Lesufi has called on learners to put their faith in the justice system and desist from further disrupting schooling as the matter is being looked into.