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News24 reports that the Worcester Regional Court has sentenced Jeremy Claasen, a 38-year-old teacher, to life imprisonment after he was convicted of raping a Grade 8 pupil during school hours in his classroom.
Claasen, a life orientation teacher, began communicating with the pupil via social media when she was in Grade 7 and established a trusting relationship with her. On 7 February 2020, the pupil entered Claasen’s classroom to charge her phone. After closing the door and asking her to sit on a bench, he ignored her resistance, made advances, and proceeded to rape her. Days later, the victim confided in a close friend, who informed a teacher. The teacher reported the incident to the principal, who contacted the police, leading to Claasen’s arrest. During the trial, the state presented the complainant’s testimony via closed-circuit television with the assistance of an intermediary to prevent further trauma. Her friend and a medico-legal examination conducted by a doctor corroborated her testimony and confirmed evidence of sexual penetration. Claasen offered an alibi, claiming he was in court paying a traffic fine at the time of the crime, but the court found the alibi unreliable. It affirmed the victim’s testimony as credible and consistent, supporting the conviction of rape. The Western Cape Director of Public Prosecutions expressed deep concern over the crime, condemning the actions of a teacher who abused his position of trust.
- Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Velani Ludidi at News24 (subscription / trial registration required)
Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page