ONE of the five teachers from Makhumbuza High School who were fingered as running a sex ring in the school's science laboratory has been arrested.

ONE of the five teachers from Makhumbuza High School who were fingered as running a sex ring in the school's science laboratory has been arrested.

Police said yesterday the 46-year-old teacher would be charged with rape when he appears in the Umlazi magistrate's court today.

Police spokesman Buhle Ngidi said detectives had strong evidence that the teacher had raped a 16-year-old pupil last year.

Ngidi said the case was separate from allegations against the other teachers, whose cases were awaiting decisions by the public prosecutor.

He said five victims had wanted five teachers charged for rape and that this suspect could also be linked to one of these charges, but they were awaiting the prosecutor's decision.

Last week education MEC Senzo Mchunu appointed an independent prosecution team to probe charges of misconduct against the five. The team is following up a preliminary investigation into the allegations.

Mchunu said the preliminary investigation committee had advised that the teachers be charged.

Allegations of sexual misconduct first surfaced on April 24 when a group of girls aged 16 to 21 made the accusations to the education department's district manager in Umlazi.

The investigation was based on 13 pupils' statements.

Sasco provincial secretary Bhekisisa Shabane said pupils would gather outside the court to support the victim. " He made a courageous step by coming forward. We hope there will be more arrests."