KNYSNA NEWS - A teacher from Thembelitsha Primary School briefly appeared at the Knysna Magistrate's Court today, Monday 12 November.

He is charged with five counts of sexual assault and one for sexual grooming.

Knysna police arrested the 49-year-old Zimbabwean teacher (who has permanent residency) on Friday 9 November for alleged sexual misconduct concerning a 13-year-old learner.

According to Knysna police spokesperson Captain Thulani Mondlana, a girl from the school reported on 2 November that she was sexually assaulted on the school premises during October.

“It is alleged that on Monday 22 October 2018, in the morning during school hours, the teacher sexually assaulted the learner. As a result, two more learners aged 11 and 12 came forward with similar allegations,” said Mondlana.

School principal Siyabulela Lokwe said he is not at liberty to talk to the media about the allegations, and that he neither denies nor corroborates the allegations.

The Total Shutdown, a movement formed to dismantle patriarchy and fight gender-based violence and femicide, had a group present during proceedings on Monday 12 November. The organiser Candice Ludick said, "We are relieved that he remains behind bars until his bail application hearing. We will do whatever it takes to ensure that justice is served in this case. We need the support of the Greater Knysna community in opposing his bail application."

Should you wish to sign the petition opposing bail, send a WhatsApp to 060 7153 607. "Act now, we have one day to make a difference," Ludick said.

The case was postponed to 14 November for a formal bail application. He is represented by lawyer Carl Jeppe.

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