Teacher accused of sharing pornographic images with Grade 7 learner remains in custody
The Grade R teacher made her first appearance in the Mitchells Plan Magistrate's Court,
Image: Kim Swartz
The Mitchells Plain Grade R teacher accused of sexual grooming of a schoolboy apparently called him to her class at school.
This was heard at a tense Mitchells Plain Magistrates Court last Friday, as the 35-year-old teacher made her first appearance for sexual grooming of a child and exposing a child to explicit material.
In a shocking case that has rocked the community, the former teacher at Harvester Primary School in Westridge is accused of initiating conversations of a sexual nature with a 13-year-old Grade 7 learner.
The State revealed that the alleged misconduct began on the evening of May 25. Reports indicate that the teacher reached out to the minor via WhatsApp, sparking a conversation that quickly started spiralling out of control.
In a disturbing twist, the State claims the teacher sent a graphic video of herself to the young boy and then invited the Grade 7 learner to her classroom the very next day.
The gravity of these charges has led to the court proceedings being postponed to June 23, where the state will present more evidence and seek confirmation from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) regarding the prima facie evidence against her.
Meanwhile, the accused remains behind bars, with the state set to oppose her bail application, citing the severity of the offences, which are classified as a Schedule 6 offence.
Reports suggest that the principal had demanded the minor’s phone be handed over on June 7, which led to the discovery of the explicit images and videos allegedly sent by the teacher.
Outside the court, a group of angry parents from the school gathered to voice their outrage.
They are set to hand in a petition demanding accountability, united in their stance against the teacher’s release at the next hearing.
One mother, who wished to remain anonymous, demanded that justice be served, stating: “It’s a reminder that our legal system works hard to protect the rights of individuals and uphold fairness for our communities and our children.”
Mothers at Harvester Primary School handed in a petition to oppose the accused's bail bid.
Image: Supplied
She emphasised her desire to support a justice system that prioritises the safety of kids.
Adding to the tension, parents are planning to petition for the resignation of the school’s principal following this shocking incident.
The School Governing Board (SGB) of Harvester Primary has issued a statement acknowledging the serious allegations against the teacher, reaffirming their commitment to a zero-tolerance policy towards all forms of abuse.
Although the educator was employed by the SGB and not directly by the Western Cape Education Department (WCED), they confirmed that she resigned last Thursday just hours before her arrest.
The SGB has also indicated that the situation will be referred to the South African Council of Educators (SACE) for review and action, reinforcing their commitment to safeguarding the well-being of students at the school.
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