A convicted paedophile, who targeted boys on the Cape Flats in the 1990s, is now tutoring children in Cape Town.
Brian Shofer advertises his services on Gumtree, offering “guaranteed results” and “a 100 percent pass rate”, tutoring kids “in the comfort of your home”.
He told the Weekend Argus he teaches pupils from Grade 2 to 11.
Shofer’s sexual assault convictions date back to 1994.
His first victims, mainly from Mitchells Plain, were aged between seven and 14.
He was paroled but re-offended after setting up a youth centre in Hanover Park, and was released from prison in 2010.
Social Development Department spokeswoman Esther Lewis said they were looking into the matter.
Shofer said he didn’t see why he shouldn’t be allowed to teach children.
But he told the Weekend Argus if they didn’t publish his story, he would stop teaching children.
His various online advertisements for private tuition dates back to 2012.
The most recent ad was posted on July 4.
ACTIVE: Shofer placed kids tutoring service ads on Gumtree.
Shofer says he was rehabilitated thanks to receiving “the very best of treatment” in jail.
“Since then I have maintained a stable and balanced life and have remained an upright, law-abiding citizen,” he said.
“The punishment for which I was imprisoned was served out and I enjoy all my rights in law as a free citizen.
“At no stage whatsoever was I informed by any single person, since regaining my freedom, that I may not tutor students.”
Shofer claimed he’d disclosed his criminal history to the parents of the children he tutors and none had objected.
He agreed to forward the parents’ details with a copy of his CV which he said discloses his jail time.
But he changed his mind when Independent Media refused to halt publication.
He said the newspaper would “be opening a can of worms” if the article were published.
“Fortunately my trust has ample funds allocated to deal with crises and major lawsuits, amongst other things,” he said.
Provincial Education Department Spokeswoman Jessica Shelver said tutoring centres were not required to register with the department.
“If a parent employs a private tutor, they should request reference letters, proof of qualifications and a CRB [Criminal Records Bureau] check. Parents should be vigilant and observant to any change in the child’s behaviour,” she said.