Handle case with care

LEST we forget, some of us tell our little ones not to even accept a sweet from a stranger.

It is just one attempt to protect them - especially young girls - from the rampant paedophilia they are exposed to.

That is why South Africa's statistics on the sexual abuse of children are gut-wrenching.

We also repeatedly ask questions about how cruel the judicial process can be to victims of abuse.

Mindful of this merciless process, we support every word of caution that will keep the kids safe from the monsters in our midst.

The mere thought of a stranger among our tiny tots must elicit nightmares.

Thus the obvious warning to girls: never hug a stranger; never kiss a stranger; never talk to a stranger; and never undress in front of a stranger.

So imagine our amazement when a teacher at Norkem Primary in Ekurhuleni threatens to sue a 10-year-old because she told her colleagues to close the toilet door so that the teacher should not see them naked.

As we reported yesterday, little Ofentse Sikhu is traumatised after a letter of demand to her mom.

We suspect that in future she will be in two minds about warning her friends of lurking danger. We do not imply the teacher could be a danger to his pupils.

But the response of teacher Jason Picot and principal John Clarke - he has suspended the child and is demanding an apology for a "defamatory" remark - is mind-boggling.

Oh no, sir, please handle the case in a more enlightened way. Start by revoking the suspension, otherwise the child could be mentally scarred for life.