OUDTSHOORN NEWS - A 38-year-old former Oudtshoorn teacher has appeared in the Oudtshoorn Magistrate's Court on Tuesday 4 August for allegedly sexually abusing a 14-year-old girl, a day after he was arrested on a charge of statutory rape.

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has since confirmed that he resigned after the allegations had come to light.

The matter was postponed to 6 August for a possible bail application, and the accused remains in custody.

According to the available information, the accused is believed to be a former teacher of one of the local high schools.

The Southern Cape Police's spokesperson, Warrant Officer Chris Spies, confirmed that the Oudtshoorn Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit is investigating the allegations that the accused had sexually abused a 14-year-old girl between March and April this year. 

"The preliminary investigation led to the registration of a charge of statutory rape, after which further investigative work led to the arrest of the suspect," said Spies.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Millicent Merton, director of communications for the WCED, said the department views allegations of this nature in a very serious light. "Upon receiving the report, the matter was immediately referred to the WCED's Directorate of Labour Relations, and a formal case was opened without delay," she said.

According to Merton, the educator subsequently resigned and has not returned to work since. "As a result of his resignation, the WCED is unable to proceed with an internal disciplinary hearing against an individual who is no longer employed by the department. However, resignation does not absolve an individual of responsibility in this regard."

She said the department had initiated steps to place a block on the educator's employment record on the Personnel and Salary System (Persal).

This measure is intended to prevent the individual from obtaining future employment within the public education sector while disciplinary processes related to the allegations are under way.

The matter will also be reported to the South African Council for Educators (Sace).

Merton further confirmed that a Form 22, which is used to report alleged abuse involving learners, had been issued. The district also arranged psychosocial support services, while support was made available to other learners who might have been affected.

In accordance with the law, the identity of the accused may not be disclosed.

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