Durban - The atmosphere in the Pietermaritzburg Magistrate’s Court was tense on Monday where the primary school guidance counsellor, charged with multiple rapes and sexual assaults of his young male charges, appeared briefly.
The 32-year-old counsellor, who boasts a masters in psychology from UKZN, was originally charged with two counts of rape and two of sexual assault against pupils aged between 4 and 9 years old.
On Monday, prosecutor Thandeka Mkhize indicated that three further charges had been added, two of sexual assault and one of rape. The boys involved in these charges are aged 7 and 9.
Mkhize confirmed that the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions would be handling the case. The matter was then adjourned to September 21 for further investigations.
Parents packed the court gallery. One parent who has since moved her children out of the school, said the stress and trauma of the situation had taken its toll on the family.
“My children are a complete mess,” the mother said.
Meanwhile, protesters gathered outside court, carrying placards that read: “Stop abusing our innocent children.”
The counsellor, denied bail last month, will remain in custody until his next court appearance.
Daily News