A WEEK BEFORE RETIREMENT: Teacher charged with pupil’s alleged indecent assault

A high school teacher in the Shiselweni region, who is due to retire just next week, is facing a criminal charge after allegedly indecently assaulting a female pupil in an incident that has resulted in his arrest.

Information gathered by this publication indicates that the teacher was arrested after an incident in which he allegedly kissed a female pupil inside a room adjacent to the school’s staffroom. The matter was subsequently reported to the police, who charged the suspect. He has since appeared in court and is currently out on bail while the matter awaits further proceedings.

Shiselweni Regional Education Officer (REO) Siboniso Gumbi, who confirmed the matter, said it was only reported to him on Thursday as it was kept as a closely guarded secret. It is understood that the suspect was arrested a couple of weeks ago and has already made a few remand hearings as he is out on bail.

Meanwhile, according to sources, the pupil had allegedly been called into the room by the teacher before the incident occurred. Sources further claimed that another pupil heard screams coming from the room before entering and interrupting what was allegedly taking place.

The matter is understood to have later reached the girl’s parent, who reported it to police after engaging the school on the allegations.

“The matter eventually reached the girl’s parent and was reported to police, which led to the teacher’s arrest. He has since been charged and is out on bail awaiting further court proceedings,” said a source familiar with the matter.

Although sources alleged that the teacher had previously displayed inappropriate behaviour towards some female pupils, those allegations have not been tested in court and could not be independently verified by this publication.

Some sources also claimed that the teacher may have used his role as a school choir conductor to cultivate close relationships with female pupils. According to the sources, the teacher occasionally travelled with pupils to South Africa for activities presented as choir engagements. However, the publication could not independently establish the purpose of those trips or verify whether they were officially sanctioned by the school.

Another source alleged that some female pupils occasionally missed classes after travelling with the teacher for choir-related activities, adding that concerns had informally been raised among some members of staff regarding his interactions with the pupils.

“Some teachers had questions about the close relationships he appeared to have with certain female pupils, but we cannot say whether those concerns were ever formally reported or investigated,” claimed the source.

Additional allegations made by sources include claims that female pupils were frequently seen visiting the teacher’s residence and rumours regarding his conduct had circulated within the school community for some time.

However, none of those allegations have been substantiated by police or education authorities nor have they been tested before the courts. The publication was also unable to independently verify claims relating to the alleged trips, the teacher’s interactions with pupils outside school or any suggestion of broader misconduct.

Gumbi confirmed that he only became aware of the matter on Thursday after being contacted by the school’s headteacher.

“I only learned about this matter yesterday after the headteacher informed me. I was told the matter was now before the courts after the teacher was formally charged. I have advised the school to submit a written report so that I can forward it to the relevant authorities, including the Teaching Service Commission (TSC),” said Gumbi.

He said the matter had initially been reported to him telephonically and he had instructed the school to submit a formal written report before it could be escalated to the Ministry of Education and Training as well as TSC.

He added that because the matter was already before the courts, the legal process should be allowed to take its course.

The headteacher also confirmed that one of the school’s teachers was facing criminal proceedings, but declined to comment further, saying the matter was now before the courts.

Farewell plans continue despite pending court case

A farewell function for the teacher facing criminal charges is reportedly still expected to go ahead on Monday despite the pending court case.

Sources told this publication that the event had been organised to mark the teacher’s retirement after years in the profession and was scheduled to take place at a resort near Nhlangano.

According to sources, teachers at the school had each been asked to contribute E150 towards the farewell arrangements.

“Teachers were each requested to contribute E150 towards the farewell, although some have expressed reservations because of the pending court matter,” claimed a source.

The teacher is expected to retire at the end of this month while remaining out on bail pending the outcome of the criminal case before the courts.