A teacher at Gauteng's best-performing school has been removed from the school following rape allegations. According to the Education MEC Matome Chiloane, the 45-year-old teacher from Lufhereng Secondary School in Soweto allegedly raped a Grade 11 girl learner on Thursday, 13 February 2025, at his house.

RAPE ALLEGATIONS

Lufhereng Secondary has been ranked the best-performing school in the province after it achieved a 100% matric pass rate for the class of 2024, with 97% of learners earning bachelor passes. Chiloane said he was deeply disturbed and devastated by the incident. "A police case has been opened against the educator, and police are investigating the circumstances surrounding this allegation accordingly. As an immediate step, the educator has been precautionarily removed from the school," Chiloane said. He added that this measure was taken to prioritise the safety and well-being of the affected learner and the broader school community. "The department will also ensure that all due processes are followed to address this matter appropriately."

DEVASTATED

The department has also organised their psycho-social support unit to provide trauma counselling to the learner. Chiloane said: "We are profoundly devastated by this serious allegation against this educator. Educators are custodians of education and youth development in our schools. As such, they should not engage in actions that could potentially traumatise the young minds that they are teaching, especially such injustices that continue to plague our democratic society." The MEC condemned the incident and called on law enforcement to handle the case with sensitivity. He added that the department is committed to ensuring that the learner receives the necessary support. "Academic assistance will be arranged to minimise any disruption to her education. We remain committed to fostering a safe and supportive learning environment for all learners. Any form of alleged misconduct by educators will not be tolerated,' said MEC Chiloane.