GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - A school principal in the area is currently in custody on a charge of sexual grooming and rape.
Warrant Officer Majola Nkohli, spokes-person for SAPS in the Sarah Baartman district, said according to police records, the man was arrested on Monday 10 February following the alleged rape of a learner.
The accused briefly appeared in the Graaff-Reinet Magistrate's Court on a charge of rape on the same day.
In addition to the charge of rape, the accused was also charged with sexual grooming. He was remanded in custody, and the case was postponed to Monday 17 February for a bail application.
CPF deeply disturbed
Anele Ngoyo, chairperson of the Graaff-Reinet Community Policing Forum (CPF), emphasised that the CPF is deeply disturbed by the alleged incident and strongly condemns any form of violence, exploitation, or abuse, particularly when it involves vulnerable individuals such as learners.
"We believe that every learner has the right to a safe and secure learning environment," he said.
"We stand in full support of the learner and her family during this traumatic time and want to assure them that they are not alone."
Ngoyo also demanded that the school and relevant authorities take immediate action to ensure the safety and well-being of the learner, provide counselling and support services.
"The CPF is committed to working with the school, law enforcement, and other stakeholders to ensure that justice is served and that our learners are protected," he said.
Severe betrayal of trust
In response to Graaff-Reinet Advertiser's request for comment, DA member of the Provincial Legislature and Shadow MEC of Education, Horatio Hendricks, expressed outrage over the allegations.
No response from school and Department of Education
A request for comment was sent to the chairperson of the school involved and to the spokesperson of the Eastern Cape Department of Education, Malibongwe Mtima, but at the time of going to print no responses had been received.
Anele Ngoyo, chairperson of the Graaff-Reinet Community Policing Forum.
‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’
