KZN sex-tape teacher victim attempts suicide

22 August 2016

Durban - One of the alleged victims of a Nquthu teacher who allegedly filmed himself having sex with students is in a stable condition after reportedly attempting to take her own life at the weekend.

The teacher was exposed after graphic footage was reported to the department of education last week.

He was immediately suspended and has not reported for work since then.

Department of Education spokesperson Muzi Mahlambi said that they had received a report over the weekend that one of the victims who appear in the sex videos had tried to commit suicide.

"Her parents and her friends helped to prevent that from happening and she was hospital and is now in a stable condition and is out of danger," he said.

Mahlambi said that allegations that the victims had received death threats would be investigated by police.

"Certain disturbing reports that learners from Ekucabangeni High School received death threats… this is something that is out of order but the police will be dealing with the matter in their handling of the statutory rape case," he said.

Suspect on the run

"The police have not made an arrest. The deduction that he is on the run is because he has not returned to the school since Thursday. We have heard that he is handing himself over to the police but we will wait and see what happens with that," Mahlambi added.

Police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Thulani Zwane confirmed that the teacher was on the run.

"We have visited his home but have been unable to find him. We have left messages with the man's family to let him know that he should hand himself in, but until now we have made no progress," he said.

On Monday, Parliament's portfolio committee on basic education condemned the alleged actions of the teacher.

Committee spokesperson Nomalungelo Gina decried the incident.

"This is unacceptable. Teachers are in a position of trust and power. They should not be abusing this power by engaging in sexual acts with learners who are vulnerable."

Gina commended the MEC for education in KwaZulu-Natal for the "swift and very progressive action" of laying criminal charges of statutory rape against the alleged perpetrator.

This article first appeared on News24, see here.