The case against a KwaZulu-Natal teacher who gained notoriety after graphic videos of him having sex with two pupils went viral on social media last year has been postponed until May for further investigation.

The 45-year-old father of five who was suspended from his position at Ekucabangeni High School in Nquthu appeared briefly in the Nquthu Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday for allegedly raping two pupils. However‚ the matter was postponed to May 26 for further evidence.

The teacher‚ whose name cannot be released‚ faces two counts of rape‚ two counts of sexual grooming and one count of sexual assault. He fled the school after enraged community members attempted to burn down his nearby cottage.

The accused‚ who has worked in the profession for 22 years‚ has denied the charges.

Last year‚ colleagues described him as a soft-spoken‚ entertaining and pious man who prayed at his school’s assemblies‚ liked gospel music‚ and regularly taught Bible studies to his pupils and colleagues. He also often posted religious statements on his Facebook page and even counselled teenage pupils on morality.