A case of statutory rape has been opened against a former male teacher at Simond Private School after allegations surfaced that he engaged in sexual activity with a Grade 7 learner.
This week, someone familiar with the incident, took it upon themselves to file a complaint with the police after it became evident that no complaint had been lodged with the police, despite previous feedback from the school stating otherwise. The anonymous source, who does not want to be named at this stage, said they had no other option but to open a case so that justice can prevail. “The law expects me to report any crime involving a child to the police or I will also be guilty of it by remaining silent.”
The alleged sexual misconduct is believed to have happened during a school camp in Durbanville in late March this year. Paarl Post previously reported that the accused teacher was allegedly caught red-handed by a group of Grade 12 learners while he was “having sex with a Grade 7 girl in a tent”, according to another credible source close to the school. The teacher resigned shortly after these allegations came to light.
According to section 54 of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act, 2007 (Act 32 of 2007), as amended every person has a duty to report any knowledge, reasonable belief or suspicion of a sexual offence committed against a vulnerable person. As defined in section 40 of this Act a vulnerable person include children and persons with mental disabilities. This Act continue to state that in terms of Section 54 (2) (a) and 54 (2) (b) it is a criminal offence to not report any allegation of suspicion of a sexual crime against a vulnerable person at the police. Failure to report can result in a fine or imprisonment of up to five years or both.
Capt Frederick van Wyk, a spokesperson for the Western Cape Police, confirmed this week that a case of statutory rape has been opened and is being investigated by Paarl police. “According to reports the incident happened between 17 March 2026 and 19 March 2026 on a school camp. [The] Investigations continues [and] no arrest [has been made].”
The school previously assured parents that the resignation of the accused teacher does not affect the investigation process going forward.
Paarl Post has reported that the alleged perpetrator was dismissed by the Western Cape Education Department following a disciplinary hearing that found him guilty of sexual assault in 2017. At the time this teacher taught Grade 6 learners at a school in Cape Town.
An indefinite prohibition on the former employee’s re-employment within the Public Service was imposed, meaning he is not able to teach at a public school.
Paarl Post’s investigation also revealed that a criminal case had been opened against the teacher in 2017, but later withdrawn in court. The accused teacher previously told Paarl Post that he does not want to comment on the matter.
