234 teachers probed for rape, assault

The SA Council for Educators (Sace) was investigating 234 teachers for rape, fraud, sexual assault and physical assaulting pupils

Sace is among other things responsible for promoting professional conduct among teachers and removing teachers from the roll who are found guilty of serious offences.

"The number of cases reported to our office has risen in the past few years because more and more people are beginning to realise that it is important to report. We currently have 234 cases that we are investigating," said George Moroafui, Sace's manager for ethics.

In the 243 cases there were complaints of corporal punishment, rape, fraud and sexual harassment.

"We are worried that many sexual harassment cases are withdrawn because the perpetrators struck deals with parents in exchange for money. Most of them are hidden."

Another challenge was that teachers were reluctant to report their colleagues.

"Teachers must report incidents of misconduct for the benefit of pupils. They should not defend the perpetrators."

Moroafui said some teachers were being investigated for receiving social grants fraudulently.

"We urge teachers, pupils and parents to contact our office if they feel that certain teachers are misbehaving and harassing pupils."

Sace officials can be reached on 012-679-9528 and complaints can also be emailed to info@sace.org.za