/ 4 November 2001

E-CAPE TEACHER CHARGED WITH RAPE

A deputy principal was granted R3 000 bail by the Engcobo Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday where he appeared on charges of rape and indecent assault of schoolgirls, SABC radio news reported. Siphiwo Maqume (36)is a deputy principal at the Entabeni Junior Secondary School in the Eastern Cape. He is alleged to have impregnated 20 schoolgirls within 10 years. Maqume has denied the charges against him. He has been suspended by the provincial education department since his arrested three weeks ago. His bail conditions demand that he report to the investigating officer fortnightly and should keep away from the school. – Sapa