Teacher charged with statutory rape of two teenage boys

A SWELLENDAM teacher who is a prominent figure in his community and in the realm of entertainment, together with his friend are facing a charge of statutory rape relating to two young boys aged 15 and 16.

- GENEVIEVE SERRA

The case comes in the wake of the Education Labour Relations (ELRC) revealing that for the current financial year, April 1 to date, it received six cases of alleged sexual misconduct in the Western Cape involving educators.

Education watchdogs and authorities said they were concerned with the growing increase of teachers involved in alleged sexual crimes against learners and called for a vetting process.

The teacher, who may not be identified in order to protect the identities of the boys, made an appearance at the Swellendam Magistrates' Court on Wednesday on charges of statutory rape together with his co-accused following their arrest on October 6.

The State is set to prove that the accused raped the victims at the Swellendam Cemetery.

Police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Malcolm Pojie confirmed his arrest.