Joburg maths teacher accused of raping grade 12 pupil
A 37-year-old Mathematics teacher from Ivory Park Secondary School, north of Johannesburg, has been arrested on allegations of raping a pupil.
Following alleged attempts to evade arrest, the suspect was nabbed on Wednesday after the pupil’s mother reported the incident to the school principal earlier in the week.
According to the Gauteng Education Department’s spokesperson, Steve Mabona, the department was informed that the suspect had been offering the pupil extra private tutoring lessons outside school hours at his home since late last year.
The alleged incident reportedly occurred at the teacher’s home.
He says the pupil initially tried to report the matter at the school after she allegedly continued to experience inappropriate behaviour from the teacher.
"The department can confirm that, as of this morning, we have initiated our internal processes to attend to this serious allegation. The department will make certain that all due processes are followed in addressing the matter appropriately," added Mabona.
Meanwhile, the province’s education MEC Matome Chiloane said the department is deeply concerned about the allegations involving someone who is responsible for the care and development of pupils.
“Educators are entrusted with the responsibility of nurturing and guiding our learners and, within the schooling environment, they effectively serve as parents to the children placed under their care. They must therefore always contribute towards ensuring the safety, wellbeing and development of our learners at all times,” Chiloane lamented.
Counselling will be provided to affected pupils.
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