Rape Grade 7 learner face mask KZN

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Bryanston High SGB accused of ignoring sexual abuse victim

The rape case against a former Bryanston High School sports coach has been postponed to 26 April, at the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court

Rape Grade 7 learner face mask KZN

Image via: Adobe Stok

The sexual abuse case against a former Bryanston High School sports coach is nearing the end. Aleshan Moodley is accused of sexually assaulting and raping a pupil. He was arrested by police in January 2019 after a pupil at the school reported the matter.

The organisation Women and Men Against Child Abuse (WMACA) has been following the court proceedings at the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court, more than two years after the suspect was handcuffed. The organisation is less than pleased with the Bryanston High School Governing Body (SGB), claiming it has failed to support the victim.

The matter continued in the Alexandra Magistrate’s Court on Monday, 15 February 2021 and will be heard again on 26 April.

“We want to state clearly that Bryanston High School SGB has not in any way been supporting the victim and her family during the criminal proceedings and so we were shocked to say the least, that they were present in court today, approximately 25 months later, and almost at the end of the trial,” WMACA further said.

“Our organisation has had a representative in court at every appearance supporting the mother and the victim in court since the onset of this matter. We feel it is an insult to both the criminal justice process that they discouraged the victims from pursuing, and to the child victim who bravely gave evidence in case”

Moodley faces 12 counts of rape, sexual assault and assault. He maintains his innocence and has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him.

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Bryanston High School management dismissed him in March 2019, two months after his arrest, after a disciplinary panel found him guilty of sexual harassment. Two other victims came forward but they chose not to pursue the matter criminally.

According to the organisation, the state presented three witnesses – the doctor who examined the victim and two teachers who were employed by Bryanston High School at the time. The doctor reportedly submitted evidence which was consistent with the teenage girl’s claims.

WMACA further went on to cite testimony from the two educators, saying that their evidence proved that the school had suspected that Moodley was sexually abusing the girls, but chose not to act.

“We will continue to monitor the case and support the victim and her family as trial continues on the 26th of April 2021,” the group said.