Nkwanca High teacher allegedly impregnates 16-year-old pupil

THE Komani Magistrate’s Court has declined to prosecute a teacher from Nkwanca High School who was allegedly in a relationship with and impregnated a pupil 11 years his junior.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesman Tsepo Ndwalaza confirmed the allegations. Ndwalaza said the girl’s mother had consulted a prosecutor, during which discussion the pupil had allegedly admitted that she had had a relationship with the teacher.

Ndwalaza said, “She revealed that she used to visit the teacher and they had an affair. The NPA found we could not enrol the matter in court because there were no reasonable prospects of a successful prosecution.

“We are mindful of the fact that the age of consent is 16 and the girl turned 16 in June. They started the affair in October and the pupil is currently four months pregnant.”

Ndwalaza said the prosecutor who consulted with the mother, advised her to report the matter to the education department for due processes to be followed against the teacher.

Eastern Cape department of education spokesman Malibongwe Mtima said this week they were not aware of the matter.

Mtima said, “It is a disgrace that, 21 years after the South African Schools Act was promulgated, prohibiting teachers from being involved in relationships with pupils, there would be such a report. We warn teachers time and time again not to get involved with pupils.”

Mtima said the department would conduct an investigation and if the teacher was found

guilty he would be dealt with in accordance with regulated procedures.

Chris Hani West department of education assistant director Madoda Ndema said it was a pity that they do not have the full details regarding the matter.

“We will follow the legal route and conduct an investigation. If the teacher, who is alleged to have been in a relationship with a pupil, is found to be guilty, we will follow legal procedures. No teacher is allowed to have any kind of relationship with a pupil and we take such cases seriously.”

Nkwanca principal Ntsikelelo Lutseke said he was not allowed to comment and referred all questions to education development officer Nosipho Masiminya who was unavailable at the time of going to print.

The Rep is in possession of a letter allegedly written by the teacher, admitting the relationship.