One of five teachers suspended for alleged sexual misconduct appeared at the Umlazi Magistrate's Court on Thursday to face a rape charge.

The teachers of Makhumbuza High School were suspended by the KwaZulu-Natal education department in April after the several allegations surfaced.

A 19-year-old pupil later laid a rape charge against one of the teachers claiming that she was asked by him to carry some files to the school's science laboratory where he forced himself on her.

Earlier, Superintendent Buhle Ngidi said another four female pupils had also made allegations in statements to the police.

"The statements were forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions and we are waiting for them to give us further instruction on what sort of cases can be opened."

The allegations against the teachers surfaced on 24 April when a group of female pupils reported to education authorities that fellow pupils were frequently having sex with teachers in the laboratory in exchange for money and alcohol.

There were also claims that some of the girls were romantically involved with the teachers, while one pupil had dropped out of the school after allegedly being impregnated by a teacher.

The department subsequently suspended the teachers on full pay, pending the outcome of an investigation.

Last week, a preliminary report made a recommendation that the suspended teachers be charged with misconduct.

Authorities said the findings in the report were based on information and details obtained through written and verbal statements from 13 female pupils aged between 16 and 21.

On Tuesday, the teacher accused of rape was arrested by police.

He appeared at court on Thursday determined to have his bail application heard the same day.

A magistrate presiding over the first appearance said he was unable to allow it as he was busy with other cases.

He suggested that the accused look for another magistrate at the courthouse, who was not so busy, to deal with his bail application.

By 4pm, the accused had not found another magistrate to hold an immediate hearing.

His case was remanded to 8 June when he could make a bail application.

Sapa

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