A 17-YEAR-OLD LEARNER RAPED BY HER ALLEGED TEACHER AT SCHOOL IN RITAVI POLICING AREA

RITAVI : Provincial Commissioner of the South African Police Service in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Jan Scheepers, has condemned in the strongest possible terms the rape of a 17-year-old learner, allegedly by a teacher at her school.

According to the information received from the police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, It is alleged that on 02 September 2026, at about 19h30, the 17-year-old victim, who resides in one of the villages in the Ritavi policing area, received a phone call from the suspect requesting her to come and collect stationery on behalf of a friend. He informed her that he would be waiting for her along the street.

Upon her arrival, the suspect allegedly asked her to get into his motor vehicle, which she did. He then drove a short distance before stopping the vehicle along the roadside. He allegedly got out of the vehicle, moved to the back seat where the victim was seated, and raped her inside the vehicle.

The victim did not immediately disclose the incident to her mother out of fear, but reported the matter to her school principal on 07 September 2026. The matter was subsequently reported to police, and the victim was taken to a local hospital for medical examination.

The docket was transferred to the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit in Tzaneen for further investigation.

The suspect, a 32-year-old teacher, was arrested and appeared before the Ritavi Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 21 September 2026. He was granted bail of R1000 and is expected to appear again on 12 November 2026, subject to bail conditions.

Lieutenant General Scheepers expressed his strong condemnation of the alleged conduct of the suspect, saying that teachers occupy a position of trust and responsibility towards learners in their care, and any abuse of that trust to violate a child will not be tolerated.

“It is disturbing that a person entrusted with the education and safety of our children could allegedly commit such a heinous act against a learner. Police in Limpopo will ensure that this case receives the necessary support to ensure a successful prosecution,” said Lieutenant General Scheepers.

He further encouraged victims of sexual offences, not to delay in reporting to the police, and commended the victim for her courage in coming forward.

Investigations are continuing.

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