Former Teacher Accused Of Raping A 13-year-old Pupil Denied Bail

The former teacher who allegedly raped a 13-year-old learner at a primary school outside Polokwane in Limpopo, has been denied bail. The accused, whom SABC News cannot identify to protect the minor, appeared before the Mankweng Magistrates Court . He faces charges of rape and sexual grooming of a child.

The accused appeared before the Mankweng Magistrates Court to hear judgment on his bail application. The teacher walked in, clad in different clothing to what he wore at his first three appearances. The magistrate, Venus Makhuvele, said that the accused did not provide sufficient exceptional circumstances that would permit his release on bail .

The applicant in my view has failed to provide the charge honors placed on him in terms on section 60 11a of the procedure act 51 of 1977. Therefore, the bail is dismissed, and since your bail is dismissed accused you are remanded in custody, Makhuvele says.

Makhuvele has also stated that the accused gave contradictory statements during his bail application.

There are contradictory statements in this regard. At first, the applicant indicated that he quit his job in order to accommodate the victim and to avoid being at the same school at the school with her. On the other hand, he cited the issue of wanting to pursue his ancestral calling as the reason for his resignation. It is clear that this issue of ancestral calling only came up when he learnt of this investigation against him, Makhuvele elaborates.