Parliament’s portfolio committee on basic education says that it was “unacceptable” for a teacher to allegedly have sex with pupils at a rural school in KwaZulu-Natal.

An explicit video showing a man having sex with a pupil in a cottage at Ekucabangeni High School in Nquthu went viral on social media and in reaction pupils went on the rampage‚ torching the building.

ALSO READ: Abused schoolgirls get death threats

Committee chairperson Nomalungelo Gina said on Monday: “This is unacceptable. Teachers are in a position of trust and power. They should not be abusing this power by engaging in sexual acts with learners who are vulnerable.”

Gina commended the provincial MEC for education for laying criminal charges of statutory rape against the alleged perpetrator who allegedly had sexual relations with at least six girls aged 14 and 15.

 “No stone should be left unturned to get to the bottom of this. Parents send learners to school to learn‚ and assume this is a safe and secure environment. Acts of this nature cannot be allowed in our schools‚” said Gina.

The committee noted reports that one of the alleged victims attempted to commit suicide over the weekend after being contacted by the perpetrator.

 “This is extremely concerning. The learner has already endured sexual abuse. She cannot be subjected to further contact with the alleged perpetrator‚” said Gina.

She called on the authorities in the province to assist all learners that might have been affected by such act in whatever possible way to deal with the after effects of it.

The committee called for a swift and a thorough investigation. “Sexual misconduct and abuse are very serious allegations‚ especially when allegations are made against an educator. Such perpetrators should not be in our schools or near vulnerable children‚” said Gina. – TMG Digital