A deputy principal at a school in Gauteng has been released on bail following allegations he raped a 12-year-old girl.
The man, who cannot be named until he pleads because he faces a charge of rape, appeared in The Brits Magistrate's Court.
The 63-year-old was released on R5,000 bail.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said in addition to statutory rape, he also faces charges of sexual grooming, sexual assault.
The girl is believed to be a pupil at the primary school where he is employed.
IOL has opted not to name the school.
According to the NPA, it is alleged that in 2024, the accused took the minor child to the bushes near Majakaneng, where he proceeded to have sexual intercourse with her.
"This comes after the accused kissed the victim in 2023, and began to send her nude pictures.
"After seeing the messages, the victim’s friend informed her mother and the school teacher who requested them to bring the phones to school for observation," said NPA spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana.
She said the victim's mother was then told of the incident by the school and a case was opened against the accused on November 23, 2024.
"The accused was arrested on November 25, 2024, after he handed himself over to the Brits Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences offices."
The NPA said during the bail application, the accused, through his legal representative, asked the court to grant him bail because he is a first offender who is married with children.
"He added that he was employed as an educator and needed to pay his bond."
The NPA said state prosecutor Octavia Pletschke opposed bail, saying that the accused is charged with serious offences which may result in a lengthy term of imprisonment if found guilty.
She also said that the accused had already threatened and intimidated the victim, her mother and the witness.
The deputy principal was granted bail, and part of his bail conditions is that he report daily to the Hartbeespoortdam SAPS, he may not have any direct or indirect contact with the victim or witnesses and that he should surrender his passport to the investigating officer.
IOL News
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