The MEC for Education in the Free State Dr Mantlhake Julia Maboya has welcomed the arrest of a grade 12 Dr Viljoen Combined School senior teacher who allegedly raped a 17-year-old grade 12 learner in the storeroom of a grade 3 class on Wednesday.
The unfortunate incident happens just days before the beginning of the 2024 matric examinations.
NO BAIL
The MEC said the 30-year-old teacher, joined the school two years ago and is the Head of the Tourism Department at the school.
"He was arrested on Thursday after the parents of the learner laid a rape charge with Park Road Police Station in Bloemfontein on Wednesday evening.This happened after the learner had reported her ordeal to a relative."
Maboya has called on the court not to grant bail to the teacher. She said the teacher must face the wrath of the law and added that harsh penalties must be imposed on all the perpetrators of GBVF.
"Any violation of a child's safety and dignity is an affront to our collective humanity. We must condemn such heinous acts with unequivocal force and ensure swift justice. Our schools must be sanctuaries of learning, not havens, for predators. We owe it to the survivors, their families and our future generations to create a society that protects, empowers and upholds the rights of every child," Maboya said.
Maboya also added that the rape of a learner by a teacher is a betrayal of trust, a travesty of authority and a stark reminder of our failure to safeguard the vulnerable. "We must take immediate action to address the systemic failures that enable such atrocities and work tirelessly to create an environment where every child feels safe, valued and protected."
A SAFE SPACE
Maboya has instructed the school to grant the learner special concession and find an alternative venue where she can write her final exams away from the environment of the school.
"Psycho-social support has already been given to the parents of the learner. It will be extended not only to the victim and her grade 7 sibling but also to all grade 12 learners."
