Durban - The teacher accused of sexually abusing as many as six under-age girls at Ekucabangeni High School in Nquthu is on the run.
Police said on Monday that officers had been unable to find him and appealed for information that could lead to his arrest.
The Mercury understands that since a video of the teacher having sex with a pupil came to light last week, more videos of the man having sex with other young girls have surfaced.
It is also said that one of his alleged victims tried to commit suicide this past weekend after he contacted her and intimidated her.
The girl has been put in a place of safety.
Police spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Thulani Zwane said officers had searched for the teacher at his home and in other areas.
“The suspect is still at large. Once arrested, he will be charged with rape and sexual assault.
“We appeal to the community to give us information about his whereabouts.”
Last week, the MEC for Education, Mthandeni Dlungwane, visited the school after seeing the video.
He said at least six girls between the ages of 15 and 16 had come forward with allegations against the teacher. Education spokesman Muzi Mahlambi said the department had sent counsellors to the school to help pupils deal with the events.
The portfolio committee on Basic Education has called for the removal from schools of teachers accused of sexual misconduct against pupils.
Committee chairwoman Nomalungelo Gina said: “This is unacceptable. Teachers are in a position of trust and power. They should not be abusing this power by engaging in sexual acts with learners who are vulnerable.
“Parents send learners to school to learn and assume this is a safe and secure environment. Acts of this nature cannot be allowed in our schools.”
She said they were concerned by reports that one of the pupils had tried to commit suicide.
“This is extremely concerning. The learner has already endured sexual abuse. She cannot be subjected to further contact with the alleged perpetrator.
“Sexual misconduct and abuse are very serious allegations, especially when made against an educator. Such perpetrators should not be in our schools or near vulnerable children,” she said.
The South African Council of Educators, which has the authority to strike teachers from the roll if found guilty of serious offences, said in the 2014/15 financial year, about 56 teachers across the country were struck off for sexually abusing pupils.
Spokesman Thembinkosi Ndhlovu said teachers having sex with pupils was becoming a serious problem.
“We are getting more and more reports of this nature.”
The Mercury