Thembisa Teacher, 29, Charged in Rape-and-Murder Campaign as Parents Demand Removal

Jacinta went to her nearest police station last week with a printed screenshot that left the officer at the counter lost for words. The document allegedly showed a 29-year-old teacher, who works at a school in Thembisa, publicly calling for her to be raped and murdered. She opened a criminal case the same day, and it has now been handed to Gauteng detectives who deal with online threats against victims.

The teacher’s identity has been confirmed by investigators but has not been released for legal reasons. He is accused of starting an online campaign in which he urged followers to target Jacinta with sexual violence and deadly harm. Police at the Esangweni station in Thembisa confirmed on Thursday that a case of crimen injuria and incitement has been opened. Jacinta’s lawyer said additional charges relating to online harassment are being considered.

Gauteng Department of Basic Education spokesperson Elijah Mahlangu said the department learned about the matter from parents and is running an urgent internal investigation. “No educator found guilty of threatening behaviour toward any individual will remain in our classrooms,” he said in written correspondence. The teacher had not been suspended at the time of publication, and child-protection advocates on the East Rand have criticised the department for that.

Parents of children at the school have started a petition calling for the teacher’s removal. It reportedly collected more than 400 signatures within 48 hours. Many parents say a person who publicly calls for sexual violence against a woman should not be teaching children. Several mothers said their children felt uncomfortable about going back to school after learning who was behind the posts. A grandmother outside the school gate on Tuesday morning put it plainly: “A man who says those words about a woman must never stand in front of my grandchild again.”

For now, the case is back in the hands of the investigators while the department decides what to do. The allegations against the teacher have not yet been tested in court. Meanwhile, Jacinta is left waiting, with her safety unresolved and the man she accuses still employed. Many in the community are asking how long a victim should have to wait for the institutions meant to protect her to act.

https://x.com/Anza_Musandiwa/status/2107524826839601404

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