saceCape Times reports that police are not investigating sexual abuse allegations against former Bishops Diocesan College teacher Fiona Viotti, despite the school’s independent investigation having found that she sexually engaged with at least five pupils.  

Viotti, 30, was employed as a water polo coach and history teacher at the Rondebosch private school for six years.  She resigned on 11 October, the day the allegations emerged.  In a statement on Monday, the school said the investigation concluded that Viotti’s actions were not only in breach of the Bishops Code of Professional Conduct for Teaching Staff, but the Code of Professional Ethics issued by the SA Council of Educators (Sace).  However, because she had resigned from the school, no disciplinary action could be taken against her.  A police spokesperson said after consulting with Rondebosch police it was confirmed that no case had been opened against Viotti.  Sace spokesperson Themba Ndhlovu said they were investigating the allegations and would soon interview Viotti.  “Sace as the only regulatory body has the mandate to investigate this matter even if the said person decided to resign from employment, because she is still a registered member and therefore still subjected to the Code of Professional Ethics.  While not attempting to prejudge the case, more often persons found guilty of such offences are struck off the roll indefinitely,” Ndhlovu indicated.


Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page