Gauteng Teacher Fired After Rape Allegations and Skipping Hearing

A Gauteng teacher accused of raping a 16-year-old pupil at gunpoint has been dismissed from his post after failing to attend his disciplinary hearing. The Education Labour Relations Council (ELRC) ruled that he is “unsuitable to work with children” and described his conduct as predatory and deliberate.

Allegations of Grooming and Abuse

The case stems from a February 13, 2025 incident, where the teacher allegedly lured a Grade 11 learner to live at his home under the guise of helping her be closer to school. The girl, who once saw him as a trusted family figure, testified that he imposed strict rules, controlled her movements, and later sent her sexually explicit WhatsApp messages.

That same night, she told the inquiry, he dragged her from her room, cocked a gun to silence her, and raped her. Afterward, he allegedly forced her to wash her clothes and act as if nothing had happened.

The next morning, she confided in her parents, who took her to a doctor and reported the case to police.

Family Torn Apart

The victim’s father broke down during testimony, expressing deep regret for trusting the teacher with his daughter. He also revealed painful family divisions, claiming his wife discouraged their daughter from pressing charges and appeared to side with the accused. The teenager has since moved in with her aunt and transferred to a new school.

Teacher Absent, Evidence Unchallenged

The teacher ignored both his pre-hearing in June and the official arbitration in July. He later admitted his focus was on his criminal rape trial, not the departmental proceedings. The inquiry went ahead without him, and the arbitrator found the pupil’s testimony credible and consistent.

“There is a clear link between the WhatsApp messages and the sexual act. He not only raped the learner but threatened to shoot her if she screamed,” the arbitrator ruled.

ELRC’s Final Ruling

In her decision delivered on 6 August, the arbitrator upheld all charges: rape, firearm intimidation, and sending sexually explicit messages. She described the teacher as a “hunting lion” who preyed on his victim with premeditation.

“He can no longer be trusted around girl learners. His relationship with the employer is irretrievably broken. His refusal to attend the inquiry shows no remorse for this appalling offence,” the ruling stated.

The Department of Education welcomed the outcome, calling it a strong message that schools must remain safe spaces, free from predators.

Wider Context: Schools and Gender-Based Violence

This case has reignited debate on the safety of learners in South Africa’s schools, where incidents of sexual abuse by educators continue to surface despite years of campaigns and policies. Public reaction on social media has been one of outrage, with many demanding harsher criminal penalties alongside dismissal.

For the 16-year-old victim and her family, the dismissal offers some closure, but the criminal trial ahead will determine whether her former teacher faces justice beyond the classroom.

{Source: The Citizen}

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