A teacher has been suspended following accusations of r-ping a Grade 10 student at Toli High School in Lusikisiki.
Eastern Cape Education MEC, Fundile Gade, expressed deep shame upon learning of the allegations. The incident was reported on September 24.
“The district acted quickly to suspend the accused teacher while an investigation is underway,” said department spokesperson Mali Mtima.
The Department of Education stated that the student is receiving support from the Education Social Support Services unit (ESSS), which includes counseling and debriefing.
Due to the emotional distress caused by the incident, the School Governing Body (SGB) visited the student’s family, who have already filed a case with the South African Police Services (SAPS).
MEC Gade issued a stern warning to educators who take advantage of vulnerable learners, calling the incident a betrayal of trust.
“The South African Schools Act of 1996 recognizes teachers as acting ‘in loco parentis,’ meaning they are trusted to care for students like their own children,” Gade explained.
He emphasized that such incidents damage the relationship between parents and the education system, and vowed that the department would seek justice for the student.
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