Umamah Bakharia 

A North West school caretaker was allowed to walk free for years after allegations were made that he sexually assaulted two minor learners.

The pupil, who was 12 years old at the time, was denied assistance from the school until a police investigation into the assault was opened.

In June, the North West Department of Basic Education’s disciplinary enquiry found him guilty and dismissed him immediately – seven years after the first allegations were made.

Speaking to Radio Islam, the victim’s attorney’s Section27’s Zeenat Sujee says the education authorities had failed to take steps to assist the family.  “From the date of rape up until 2021, the perpetrator was still on the premises of the school, and he continued to be employed with children present,” says Sujee.

Upon investigation, it was revealed that the North West Department of Education had no defence in the case delay. “The order that we took in court just for them to comply with their basic constitutional obligations – statutory and common law obligations – was taken unopposed,” she says.

A criminal investigation is underway; however, the case has had numerous postponements in court.