By OBAKENG MAJE

A learner from Batlhaping High School in Taung is dejected and does not feel safe anymore. This comes after she was allegedly sexually assaulted by a teacher, Lebogang Mooka.

According to the aggrieved Grade 12 learner (18), the teacher started to make sexual advances back in 2020, but the school management allegedly swept the matter under the carpet.

*Naledi Kenosi (not her real name) said, the sexual assault started back in 2020 when she was the admin of a Physical Science subject WhatsApp Group. She said the teacher was part of the group because he teaches the subject.

“It was on Friday night around 11pm back in 2020, when I received a WhatsApp message from an unknown number. So, I asked who the sender of the message is. But the person said he is the school administrator and asked if I’m still a virgin.

“So, I told the sender that, yes I’m still a virgin, but he said I’m lying. He then sent a message making sexual advances towards me. The message he sent said, kea go galela, (which is loosely translated as, I sexually fantasise you). I responded to the message by saying, I wonder what will the principal say about this inappropriate message.” she said.

Naledi said, she immediately received a call from Mooka, who said the administration has just called him. She said, she told Mooka that, it is surprising that he is calling her immediately after she responded to the message.

“So, he confessed that, actually it was he who sent the inappropriate WhatsApp message using his other number. Then he begged me not to report him to the school management because he might lose his job.

“I told a family friend who in turn, reported the matter to my mother. My parents went to the school and a meeting was arranged between Mr Mooka, school management and me,” Naledi said.

She further alleged that, Mooka confessed and apologised for his behaviour in front of the school management and her parents.  

“On 15 October 2022, I got level 1 in Physical Science subject. So during the break, I went to Mr Mooka to ask him why did I get level 1. He said, I should come and see him after the break when everyone has settled down.

“Immediately after the break, I went to him and found him in a computer room. There is another hidden room next to it. He stood up and went into that secluded room and I followed him,” she said.

Naledi added that, Mooka allegedly grabbed her buttocks and dragged her closer to him. She alleged that, Mooka demanded a kiss from her.

“I was so terrified and I did not even know what to do. He said he would not let me go until I kissed him. So, said I’ll kiss him immediately after my final examinations.

“Unfortunately, he needed assurance, but I told him that, the only thing that he could do is to trust me. He let me go and request me not to tell anyone,” said Naledi.

She said, now her life is upside down because of this ordeal. Naledi said she could not even attend either the incubation program or the Physical Science period because she is afraid of Mooka.  

“I cannot even concentrate anymore and I do not think I will pass my matric. I become so emotional when I see him and I feel like my rights were violated yet the school does not care.

“I think he was supposed to be suspended with immediate effect pending investigations. I mean, this is not the first time happening and I do not know want he will do next,” she said.

The North West Department of Education spokesperson, Elias Malindi said, they have despatched the investigating team from their labour unit.

“With regards to the concerning Batlhaping High School, the department has dispatched a team of investigators from the labour unit to go and investigate these allegations. So, we will be able to report properly after the labour unit has dealt with the matter,” Malindi said.

Meanwhile, North West police spokesperson, Capt Aafja Botma said: “A criminal case was opened against the alleged suspect, but due to problems with the electricity the docket will only be registered today.

“Then the case number will be provided to the victim immediately thereafter. The allegations that the docket was missing is false and the suspect will be charged as soon as the docket is registered,” Botma said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com