- A 38-year-old teacher has handed himself over to Ivory Park police.
- He is accused of raping a 16-year old pupil on school premises.
- Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi says the department will "never tolerate nor condone any sexual relations or harassment of learners by educators".
A Gauteng teacher who handed himself over to police in connection with allegations that he raped a pupil made a brief appearance in the Tembisa Magistrate's Court on Thursday.
The matter was postponed to 27 May for a formal bail application, National Prosecuting Authority regional spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane said.
Gauteng MEC Panyaza Lesufi attended court proceedings.
He said educators and officials of the department "have a sacrosanct duty of ensuring that learners placed in our care are safe and protected".
"Any educator or official who preys on learners has no place in the education system," he said.
The 38-year-old Umqhele Secondary School teacher is accused of raping a 16-year old pupil on the school premises in Ivory Park, Midrand, on Friday.
On Wednesday morning, police spokesperson Captain Mavela Masondo confirmed that the teacher had handed himself over.
READ | Manhunt under way for Gauteng teacher who allegedly raped pupil, 16
The Gauteng Department of Education became aware of the rape allegations when the case was reported to its district office last week, News24 previously reported.
The department said it had made available its psycho-social unit to provide support to the affected pupil and those close to her. It added that disciplinary processes against the alleged perpetrator had begun.
"We can only imagine the anger and disappointment the family of the learner is going through following the betrayal of their trust by a person they had trusted," Lesufi said.
The department added that the accused had tendered a letter of resignation.
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