KEY POINTS
- A 58-year-old Limpopo teacher is wanted for allegedly raping a 13-year-old pupil multiple times between November 2024 and March 2025, fleeing before his arrest.
- Education officials have condemned the abuse, emphasizing the need for accountability, while over 70,000 petition signers demand justice and systemic reforms.
- Police urge the public to assist in locating the suspect, offering multiple reporting channels, including anonymous tips via the MySAPS app.
Limpopo police have issued a public appeal for assistance in locating a 58-year-old teacher accused of repeatedly raping a 13-year-old pupil.
The suspect, who fled before his scheduled arrest, is believed to have committed the assaults between November 2024 and March 7, 2025.
Police spokesperson Lt Col Stephen Thakeng confirmed that the suspect was initially called in for questioning while authorities awaited an arrest warrant.
“The suspect drove off in his vehicle under the pretence that he was going to the police station [for questioning],” Thakeng stated. “When he was contacted, he said he was in Hammanskraal [north of Pretoria], and the cellphone was then switched off.”
Education officials condemn abuse
The case has sparked widespread outrage, with Limpopo education MEC Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya condemning the alleged crimes. “A teacher’s responsibility is to guide, protect, and groom learners for the future,” Lerule-Ramakhanya said. “Learners should feel safe around their teachers, as teachers become second parents to them. Our prayers and heartfelt support go to the victim’s family and the school community.”
The MEC warned that if found guilty, the accused teacher would face disciplinary action, including possible dismissal from the profession.
According to Sowetanlive, she urged parents and school communities to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behavior threatening learners’ safety.
Meanwhile, public anger has intensified, with over 70,000 people signing an online petition demanding justice for the victim and greater transparency in handling school-related sexual abuse cases.
The petition follows another high-profile incident in October 2024, where a seven-year-old pupil was raped, further highlighting the urgent need for systemic reforms in school safety protocols.
Authorities have urged anyone with information on the suspect’s whereabouts to contact Lt Col Martin Thema at 082-451-7155, Crime Stop at 08600-10111, or submit anonymous tips via the MySAPS app.
The case has reignited debates over the safety of children in schools, with activists calling for stricter background checks on educators and faster responses to abuse allegations.
