Teacher faces assault charges
2003-03-04 21:57
Lizel Steenkamp
Johannesburg - "I know it feels like a long nightmare, but you have to hold on."
These were the words a lawyer used to comfort a suspended West Rand primary school teacher, suspected of indecently assaulting learners.
The teacher arrived with her husband, a former police captain, at the Krugersdorp magistrate's court for her third appearance. She was visibly stressed.
The 33-year-old woman handed herself over to police on December 9 last year and was released on R5 000 bail the same day.
She is facing a charge of assault and two of indecent assault. The alleged crimes took place between 2000 and 2002.
During a previous court appearance, the woman said she planned to plead not guilty to the charges and alleged that she was not familiar with the details of the charges against her.
She also claimed that she suffered minor brain damage after she was given a styptic after the birth of their only child. She said she had a problems with her nerves.
The case was postponed until April 17 for further investigation and because some statements are still outstanding.
- Beeld