By Bhekizenzo Zonele
A 59-year-old primary school teacher accused of raping a nine-year-old Grade 4 learner will remain in custody after his bail hearing was postponed at the Protea Magistrates’ Court in Soweto on Thursday.
The educator, who teaches at Busisiwe Primary School, appeared briefly in court on October 29. The matter was postponed to November 3 after he appointed new legal representatives.
Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation Lebogang Maile attended the proceedings in solidarity with the alleged victim and her family.
ALSO READ: DA mayoral candidate says LGE will ‘make or break’ Nelson Mandela Bay
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said the teacher was accused of raping the learner in the school toilets on October 6.
According to reports, the child told her mother about the alleged incident. A video of the learner recounting her ordeal subsequently went viral on social media, sparking outrage among parents and members of the community.
The allegations prompted protests outside Busisiwe Primary School, where parents demanded the teacher’s removal and raised concerns about how the school had handled the matter.
The Gauteng Department of Education has suspended the educator pending disciplinary proceedings.
Speaking to the SABC outside court, Maile expressed concern about gender-based violence (GBV) and stressed the importance of supporting victims.
“As you know, gender-based violence has gotten out of control, and we have to show solidarity with those who are victims,” Maile said.
ALSO READ: Simelane hands over homes as R330m Maphephetheni project targets 2,286 families
He also expressed disappointment over the postponement, saying cases involving children should be dealt with as quickly as possible.
“The case has been postponed, which is unfortunate for us because we would want this matter to be processed as soon as possible because a minor is involved here,” he said.
The department reaffirmed its commitment to protecting learners from abuse and gender-based violence, saying it would ensure that the affected learner and her family received the necessary support.
The accused remains in custody and is expected to return to court on November 3, when his bail application is scheduled to continue.
