‘Sex pest’ Valhalla teacher back in court in February
A teacher at Valhalla Primary School, who is facing seven counts of sexual assault, briefly appeared in the Pretoria Magistrate Court on Friday.
The 55-year-old handed himself over to police on Thursday and is expected to formally apply for bail on February 13.
"This is to allow the state to complete the accused profile, which is confirming his address and whether he has any previous convictions," said the NPA’s Phindi Mjonondwane.
The man’s lawyer, Advocate Tebogo Molefe, told the court this was his first arrest and he has no criminal record.
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Molefe also told the court that it should not be difficult to obtain his address as he is employed by the government.
The teacher has allegedly sexually assaulted at least 23 pupils at the school.
Mjonondwane has called on parents who may suspect that their children are victims to come forward.
The Gauteng education department's Steve Mabona has appealed to parents and teachers not to interfere with the case.
"We have lost cases previously because of contamination of cases, so law enforcement must be given space to do their work. Parents must desist from coaching their kids and our officials must also be careful of what they say to the learners."
Mabona says the department will continue to provide counselling to the learners.