Former teacher and pastor arrested for alleged sexual abuse and child pornography
The Paarl Magistrates' Court, where the former educator made his first appearance following new allegations of child exploitation.
Image: supplied
A former teacher, now pastor, who was convicted and received a suspended sentence for statutory rape eight years ago, is back in police custody after he allegedly sexually abused two minor girls and apparently manufactured and distributed child pornography.
It is understood, the Serial and Electronic Crime Investigations (SCEI), had been monitoring and watching the man for weeks and months after a video of a teenage girl dressed in school uniform was shared, which had "pornographic detail.”
The 55-year-old man who had been an educator previously at Groendal High school in Franschhoek and began a church in the same community, following his removal as a teacher, made his first appearance at the Paarl Magistrate's Court on Monday.
The matter was postponed for his bail application on August 26.
Despite the man making his first appearance in court, it has yet to be revealed whether he may be identified publicly as the case progresses and is at a sensitive stage.
Police spokesperson, Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi explained that he was previously convicted: “Franschhoek police detained a 55-year-old man on Saturday August 16 on Sexual related charges.
“The suspect made a court appearance today in the Paarl Magistrate's Court.
“As the investigation unfolds the addition of more charges are not excluded. The matter has been postponed until Tuesday 26 August for bail information.
“The suspect has been remanded in custody. His previous conviction is an isolated incident , “However he was found guilty and sentenced accordingly with a suspended sentence.
“We appeal to anyone with information that can assist with the investigation to please call Crime Stop on 08600 10111.”
The former educator made headlines in 2017, as a father and grandfather who had been arrested and charged for statutory rape of a learner whom he had also impregnated.
The child later had a miscarriage.
At the time of the incident, he alleged that they had been a "relationship" since 2015.
He received a suspended sentence of five years after pleading guilty to the charge.
A whistle blower who asked not to be identified said the man had a way of allegedly manipulating his victims.
“The video was made of this teenage girl who was in her school clothes and the community at first tried to make a case and said she was still dressed in her school uniform and social development got involved.”
Community leader and activist, Eddie Cloete said as women’s month was being celebrated and observed they were relieved that he was finally behind bars.
“The community welcomes the arrest and they intend to go to court for the bail application in order for the Magistrate to deny it,” he said.
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