58-year-old teacher accused of raping 13-year-old still at large

Some members of the community of Makotopong outside Polokwane, Limpopo, are concerned that a 58-year-old primary school teacher who allegedly raped a 13-year-old learner, has not yet been arrested.

Department of Education Spokesperson Mike Maringa said on Friday that a rape charge against the teacher was laid last week after he was found with the learner in the school office.

It is alleged that the teacher had been raping the minor since November last year.

Residents allege that he may also have raped three other minors over the years.

Community leader Michael Lekota says security is needed at schools.

“The teachers are parents of our kids. So, if they are the ones who are doing this to our kids, we don’t know anymore where to go. The police were searching him. We don’t know what is happening. The guy was not arrested. They are busy searching for him. We need security at schools. I think that one can help our kids,” says Lekota.

Police Spokesperson Hlulani Mashaba says they are still searching for the teacher. He says the teacher had said he was going to hand himself over to police.

“Preliminary investigations reveal that the 13-year-old female learner was allegedly raped several times since November 2024 until 07 March 2025. A case of rape was registered for further investigation. The suspect drove off with his vehicle under the pretense that he was going to the police station. When he was contacted, he claimed he was in Hammanskraal in Pretoria and the cellphone was then switched off,” says Mashaba.