Cape Town - A Kraaifontein primary school teacher has been arrested for the alleged multiple rape of a 12-year-old pupil.
The 39-year-old teacher was arrested after the girl’s father reported the matter to police.
Police spokesman Captain FC van Wyk said it was not yet clear why the victim had not come forward earlier.
“According to a preliminary investigation, the victim was picked up by the suspect on six different occasions, over a period of several months, while she was on her way home from school.
“The suspect allegedly took her to his house where he raped her,” Van Wyk said.
The girl is receiving counselling from the Victim Support Unit and Van Wyk said police would investigate to see if the suspect had any more victims.
“Crimes against innocent women and children remain a high priority for the police, and perpetrators will be dealt with harshly.
“We are committed to protect and to serve the communities of the Western Cape.”
Western Cape Education Department spokesman Paddy Attwell said the department was deeply shocked by the allegations and would investigate.
“The allegations have not been reported to the department. Our district office will contact the police today for details, so that we can begin a departmental investigation as a matter of urgency.”
The suspect is due to appear in the Blue Downs Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday on a charge of rape.
Police have asked anyone with information to contact Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
* Last year, a Khayelitsha dance teacher was given three life sentences for the rape of seven of his dance students over two years.
Lawrence Gagu taught traditional dance and lured the girls, aged between eight and 12, to his home on the pretext of his wanting them to clean his shack and run errands.
Cape Argus