Friends, family and colleagues of a deputy principal accused of raping his colleague turned out in full force at court yesterday to support him.
The 55-year-old Grabouw educator was supposed to apply for bail but the case was rolled over and he had to spend another night agter tralies before making a bid for his freedom.
The deputy, who cannot be identified until he pleads, looked a bit deurmekaar during his brief appearance in the Grabouw Magistrates’ Court.
He was arrested on August 9 at his house after a colleague of 10 years laid a charge of rape against him.
According to a relative of the accused, his arrest came as a big shock.
“That woman used to be a family friend but the family started distancing themselves when they noticed she was becoming obsessive about him. Everybody who knows him believes he is innocent,” says the man.
Meanwhile Jessica Shelver, spokesperson for Education MEC Debbie Schafer, says the Department views the allegation in a serious light and will treat the departmental investigation as top priority.
She adds that the outcome of the educator’s bail application might determine whether he will be suspended.
“These conditions normally bar teachers from returning to school, in which case there is no need to issue a suspension order,” she explains.
Shelver adds that the victim is currently absent from school but will receive counselling.