Action Society demands justice for the 17-year old matric student who was raped by his school teacher in Virginia in the Free State. The 28-year old teacher invited the young student to his house where he raped him in March. The teacher was released on bail of only R3000 and the case was postponed to 21 May to allow for the investigation to proceed.
“People in positions of power should be held to a higher standard. Teachers especially play a crucial role in the fight against violence against children. To have that trust violated is unacceptable. Our schools should be a place where children feel safe and protected. Action Society calls on the education department to implement more stringent vetting mechanisms for school staff to ensure that children are safe at schools. Action Society has also been advocating that perpetrators of sexual violence against women and children should never be eligible for bail or parole,” said Head of Action Society’s Action Centre in the Western Cape, Kaylynn Palm.
