'I was stripped naked in court'
2008-02-07 07:23
Klerksdorp - After four years, six months and 15 days, sex-case teacher Hester van Niekerk can hold her head high once again.
Van Niekerk, formerly an Afrikaans teacher at Orkney High School, who appealed against her conviction on a charge of indecent assault, won her appeal on December 5.
She spoke this week of her ordeal and said: "It was the most-devastating experience to read all these things about yourself and to be literally stripped naked in court," she said.
Now, for the first time, she's willing to speak to the media.
Van Niekerk is adamant that allegations made against her by a 15-year-old schoolboy, were all lies.
Sheldon Nysschen claimed that in 2003 Van Niekerk had fondled him, played with his manhood and had sex with him on a desk in the classroom.
Van Niekerk told Beeld on Wednesday: "As a woman, I would definitely not have sex on a desk, during school hours and on the school premises."
Her advocate, Dr Len Els, said the High Court had found there were "a number of unlikelihoods in the boy's testimony and that Van Niekerk's version also could be true".
Van Niekerk's legal team is considering a possible civil case against the boy, who has since come of age.
'Humiliation and trauma'
Pretoria High Court also set aside the Klerksdorp Regional Court's sentence of three years' correctional supervision, 16 hours of community service a month and compulsory life-skills classes.
Pending the outcome of her appeal, Van Niekerk had not yet begun serving any part of the sentence.
Now, the attractive, blue-eyed woman talks openly of her "humiliation and trauma".
She had a massive stroke eight days after being arrested.
"I've already forgiven the boy for what he did to me and my family.
"It was hell, but I firmly believe today that the Lord took me on that road because He intended me to help others in need.
Since her arrest, she has graduated with a BA and BA Honours in theology (cum laude) at the University of Joannesburg.
She is now working on a master's thesis, and works as a pastoral counsellor.
Pending her appeal, Van Niekerk has not been allowed near the school, and has been doing administrative work at the education department.
Meanwhile, Van Niekerk has left education, apparently for medical reasons which predated her conviction.
She said on Wednesday: "It was awful, I had an alibi and the child couldn't describe one unique mark on my body.
"The gynaecologist and district surgeon both testified that they thought the child had never seen me naked.
"You could have knocked me over with a feather when I was found guilty."
'A cry for help'
André, her husband who "believed in her throughout and spared no expense to prove she was innocent", said one should guard against anger and bitterness.
"I believe it was a cry for help and I hope the child gets help. The High Court ruling has restored my faith in the legal system."
The Van Niekerks say they have grown spiritually and depend on God's guidance.
"I was the object of all this filth, but it's finally over. I wish the boy everything of the best," said Van Niekerk.