A 24-year-old teacher assistant was detained last week (January 25) for allegedly gang-rapping a 17-year-old pupil at the iHlumelo Secondary School in Mbekweni, Paarl, and appeared in court.

The incident allegedly occurred on October 30, last year, according to police, despite the fact that charges were only recently brought to light.  According to the learner the incident allegedly occurred at the school during extra mathematics lessons.

The learner is said to have gone to the bathroom to relieve herself when the teacher approached her and grabbed her. The “friend” of the assistant teacher then pulled down her pants and allowed the assistant teacher to rape her. The assistant teacher raped her and then gave her over to “his friend,” who raped her as well.

After that, the suspects allegedly threatened the student and instructed her not to tell anyone about what had happened. The school has been silent about the matter. “A rape case docket was registered on Monday, January 23.