Cape Town - Two South Peninsula High School teachers, one former and one current, appeared in the Wynberg Regional Court on charges related to rape and indecent assault that took place more than 20 years ago.
The two made their first appearance on Friday after five court appearances in the Wynberg Magistrate’s Court.
The case was moved to the Regional Court on June 14.
The police complaint was registered on November 18, 2023, and the suspects taken in for questioning.
The complainant, a former learner, had been at the school from 1998-2003. Speaking anonymously, an individual close to the matter said the incidents took place between 2000 and 2004.
“The victim had lived with this for many years but had no intention of bringing it to light, because as explained to me she had ‘found methods to cope’ over the years.
“It wasn’t until her friend took to Facebook in October about his memories of the incidents and how it had been eating at him being silent all this time,” she said.
“She saw the post, and the mixed comments, especially from people saying ‘she must have liked it’, made her relive those memories. She then started counselling, and counselling brought even more memories to the fore which is when she decided to act.”
The School Governing Body (SGB) released a statement on June 28, but no further action had been taken, the individual added.
In the statement, the SGB said they were fully aware of the “social media postings regarding a serious allegation against an educator at South Peninsula High School”.
“As the SGB, we stand by the justice system in our country, support the rights of every individual and shall unequivocally respect the outcome in this matter. We urge the community to allow the legal process to take its course and to respect the rights of everyone,” the statement read.
Police spokesperson Anelisiwe Manyana said the Diep River police station registered cases of rape for further investigation.
Manyana said the two suspects were arrested and the cases were remanded until August 21. A former learner at the school who matriculated in 2001 spoke to the Cape Argus on condition of anonymity.
She said she knew the victim and said the victim’s sexual preferences were exploited.
She said she had been approached by other former learners who opened up about inappropriate behaviour experienced at the hands of the two men and others. One person mentioned that they were asked to visit the teacher’s home and asked to kiss one of them.
One of the teachers reportedly retired last year.
Western Cape Education Department spokesperson Millicent Merton said: “The WCED adopts a zero-tolerance approach on any form of sexual abuse.
“At this stage the victim wishes to proceed with the criminal case only, however, subject to the outcome of the criminal case, the WCED will decide on any further action.”