Wendy Dondolo|Published
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) will oppose bail for a 59-year-old teacher accused of raping a nine-year-old pupil at a Soweto primary school, with the Gauteng government mobilising support for the child and her family as the case moves through court.
Kabelo Temba, an educator at Busisiwe Primary School, appeared in the Protea Magistrate's Court on Thursday after handing himself over to police on Wednesday.
The State alleges that Temba raped the Grade 4 learner in the school toilets on October 6.
NPA spokesperson Magaboke Mohlatlole said the child allegedly told her mother about the incident that same day, but the matter was reported to police on October 10.
The case was postponed to October 29 for a formal bail application, which the prosecution intends to oppose.
The NPA said its decision was informed by the seriousness of the charge and the fact that the alleged victim is a minor.
“The NPA views allegations of sexual offences against children in a serious light and remains committed to ensuring that cases involving vulnerable victims are prosecuted with the necessary sensitivity and diligence,” Mohlatlole said.
Government intervention follows school visit
Gauteng Education MEC Lebogang Maile attended the court proceedings on Thursday, a day after visiting Busisiwe Primary School and initiating a coordinated government response.
The intervention brings together the provincial departments of Education, Social Development and Health, the South African Police Service and other child-protection stakeholders.
The Gauteng Department of Education said the learner and her family were being provided with psychosocial support, trauma counselling and access to healthcare services.
The support is intended to help the child recover while safeguarding her wellbeing, privacy and continued education.
The department said assistance would continue throughout the court process and beyond.
Maile calls for collective action against abuse
Maile said the alleged incident highlighted the need for communities and institutions to work together to protect children and confront sexual violence.
“Sexual abuse against children and gender-based violence represent a deeply disturbing erosion of the moral values upon which our communities should be built,” he said.
“We must unite as a society to confront this moral decay, restore the dignity of our communities and create an environment where children, women and all vulnerable groups are protected from abuse, exploitation and violence.”
The MEC also urged families, educators, religious leaders, community organisations and government to take collective responsibility for children's safety.
“It takes a village to raise a child, and it equally takes a united village to protect a child. We cannot allow moral decay, sexual violence and the abuse of vulnerable people to become normalised in our communities,” Maile said.
Community urged to respect court process
Maile appealed for calm and urged the public not to interfere with the investigation or judicial proceedings.
He also called on the media to report responsibly and protect the learner's identity, stressing that her dignity, privacy and wellbeing must remain central as the case proceeds.
The education department said it would continue working with other government departments and communities to strengthen school safety and ensure schools remained safe environments for learners.
Temba is expected back in the Protea Magistrate's Court on October 29 for his formal bail application.
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