Ward 10 Councillor Xolani Mngadi, accompanied by colleagues from Wards 9 and 21, met with Steadville Secondary School’s principal and School Governing Body on September 18. The councillors stated their visit aimed to understand the circumstances of the reported incident without speculating, as the matter is currently before the court.
Councillor Mngadi declined to disclose details of the meeting or any resolutions reached, warning that revealing information could interfere with the legal process. SAPS spokesperson Warrant Officer Basheer Khan confirmed the incident allegedly occurred on Friday, September 11, near the Ladysmith Motel area in Ladysmith.
The 50-year-old teacher was held in custody after appearing in the Ladysmith Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, September 15, for further legal proceedings. The educator is scheduled to appear before the same court next Tuesday to answer to a charge of rape while remaining in custody until then, Khan said.
Detectives from the Ladysmith Family Violence, Child Protection & Sexual Offences Unit are handling the probe, police stated. Community members have been urged to allow the Department of Education and the law to take their course regarding the serious allegations at the school.