Suspended principal from
Bhonxa Senior Secondary Mzimkhulu Zibi (59), who is accused of repeatedly raping
a Grade 12 learner (21), was denied bail by Tabankulu Magistrate’s Court on
Wednesday, June 29.
The case was postponed to
July 28 for him to appear in the Kwa Bhaca Regional Court.
MEC for Education, Fundile
Gade, welcomed this decision with the hope that it would serve as a clear
reminder to everyone in the education sector that their call of duty requires
more professionalism, parenting, and ethical conduct.
“This decision is teaching us
all to understand deeply the responsibility bestowed to us and the societal
expectation as we discharge our duties as public servants,” said Gade.
According to a statement
issued by departmental spokesperson, Malibongwe Mtima, the department has
provided the affected learner with educational material, and it would continue
to make sure that she is studying in a conducive environment where her safety
is guaranteed.
“Whilst the alleged
perpetrator remains in police custody, the department is continuing with its
internal disciplinary processes and the immediate suspension letter that the
accused submitted to the department has been rejected by Gade pending the
finalisation of the case.”
Spokesperson for the National
Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Luxolo Tyali, said Zibi would call the learner to
his office at the school and he allegedly raped her twice on two different
occasions.
“He would allegedly slap the
complainant with open hands and threaten her with death if she reported the
matter. The victim reported the rapes to her peers and only reported them to
the police after a teacher overheard her outburst to other learners in class.
Zibi submitted an affidavit in support of his bail application and chose not to
give oral evidence,” said Tyali.
According to him the state
led the evidence of the investigating officer Lieutenant Colonel Queenie
Maphipha, who strongly opposed bail.
Tyali said Prosecutor
Luthando Nomandindi further argued that he failed to show exceptional
circumstances for his release on bail.
“Magistrate Nozuko Mviko
agreed with prosecution that the interests of the victim, in this case, far
outweigh those advanced by Zibi for his release on bail and that it was not in
the interest of justice for him to be released on bail.”
