Learners at Umqhele Comprehensive School did not attend classes today, 18 May 2021. This comes after a teacher was accused of raping a Grade 10 learner on Friday afternoon.
It is alleged that the suspect was caught having sexual intercourse with a teenage leaner on Friday by another teacher. The suspect was caught by his colleague inside the school’s premises in Ivory Park. The teacher then informed the principal of Umqhele Comprehensive School, Mr. Padu.
The learner was taken by the school principal to the doctor for medical examination on Friday. The victim’s parents have opened a case at the Ivory Park Police Station. The suspect has not reported for duty since the day of the incident and police are looking for him.
Learners refused to attend classes until the suspect has been named and arrested. (The suspect was named earlier on Tuesday and his name is know by this publication). A protest was held by learners, members of the community, COSAS, EFF, ANC and BCPAWC. Members of COSAS have been going to neighboring schools demanding classes to stop.
The Gauteng Department of Education has been notified by the school and will conduct an investigation. GDE officials were not available to comment at the time of publishing.
Umqhele Comprehensive School was the worst performing school in KAE and surrounding areas with a dismal Matric pass rate of 56% in 2020. Learners are urged to go back to classes on Wednesday.
Story is developing.
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