Grade R teacher arrested for allegedly sending explicit images to learner
Image: Kim Swartz
A 35-year-old Grade R teacher at Harvester Primary School in Westridge, Mitchell's Plain, resigned and has been arrested after she allegedly sent a Grade 7 learner text messages and videos of a sexual nature.
Angry parents protested outside the school on Thursday, demanding answers after the shocking reports came to light this week.
According to reports, the principal requested the minor's phone be handed in on June 7, which revealed that the teacher allegedly sent the Grade 7 learner explicit nude images and videos.
Zayaan Abrahams, who has two children at the school, said the reason she and other parents protested was due to them waiting on answers from the school's principal.
"We are here because a Grade R teacher has sent porn videos, we would say porn videos because she is advertising her breast to a Grade 7 learner and we want to know what is being done," Abrahams said.
Parents and residents were outside the school from 8am to 11am without getting answers and said they intended to bring a petition to demand the school's principal and deputy step down.
Loreza Allies, whose child is in the same class as the teacher, said parents were informed of the incident on June 10, however, the matter became known to the school last week.
Allies added: 'We want answers from the school. Why did none of them phone us or call the Grade R parents to sort it out?"
Zayaan Abrahams a parent wants answers on the learners safety.
Image: Kim Swartz
After the parents left at around 11am, news broke of the teacher's arrest and the School Governing Board (SGB) issued a statement that they are aware of the allegations of sexual abuse/grooming against the minor.
The SGB said: 'The SGB and Western Cape Education Department (WCED) adopt a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of abuse. The educator was in the employ of the SGB and not the WCED and has resigned with immediate effect. The matter will be referred to the South African Council of Educators (SACE) for further handling. A criminal charge has been laid, and due process will follow.'
Police spokesperson, FC van Wyk, said Lentegeur police opened a sexual harassment case which was transferred to the Mitchell's Plain Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit for investigation.
'A 35-year-old suspect was arrested at a premises in Athlone on June 12 at 11am.
'She was provisionally charged in terms of the Sexual Offences Act, causing a child to be exposed to pornography.
'The suspect is currently being processed where after she will appear in the Mitchell's Plain Magistrate's Court,' said Van Wyk. Get your news on the go, click here to join the Cape Argus News WhatsApp channel.
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