MORE TESTIMONY TO COME

THE Mitchells Plain Magistrates Court will hear testimony this week before deciding on the bail application of a former teacher accused of sexual grooming of a minor and exposing a child to explicit material.

There was drama at the courthouse last Thursday, after a controversial call to block media coverage of the case involving an ex-onnie at Harvester Primary School and a Grade 7 learner.

The court was expected to hear arguments from the state and the juffrou’s lawyer on her release for bail however, the proceedings took a turn when the court heard that a “problematic” article was published by a media house.

The accused’s legal representative stated that information mentioned in the article was not heard yet before the court and mentioned the onnie’s name before she had pleaded.

The court further heard that the information was inaccurate and it led to the media being “barred” from covering proceedings or information being leaked on social media.

However, the court’s management told the Daily Voice that the magistrate cleared up the misunderstanding ahead of Thursday’s sitting when the court is expected to hear testimonies from the school’s prinicipal and the victim.

Meanwhile, Parents For Equal Education founder Vanessa le Roux said they questioned why the principal did not face charges.

Le Roux said: “The Department of Public Prosecutions initiated charges against the principal, and the charge is defeating the ends of justice.

“While on the phone with the investigating officer [two weeks ago,] he explained to me that they are still waiting for the docket to come back from the prosecutor.”