Case against Grootfontein teacher struck from roll

The case against Grootfontein primary school teacher Alexis Awaseb (42), who faces multiple charges relating to the alleged sexual abuse of learners, was struck from the roll on Tuesday after Magistrate Adelinu Hailonga refused the State's fourth application for a postponement.

The State, represented by prosecutor Anthony Mweti, sought a further postponement, telling the court that victim trauma impact reports were still outstanding and that investigations had not been completed.

Awaseb, who is represented by lawyer Murray Shikongo, has been charged with rape, alternatively committing immoral acts with a child under the age of 16, indecent assault, bribery, corruption, child exploitation and human trafficking-related offences. The charges relate to allegations involving learners at the Wilhelm Nortier Primary School hostel in Grootfontein.

Awaseb has not entered a plea, and the charges remain allegations before the court.

In her ruling, Hailonga said the State had not demonstrated sufficient urgency in finalising the matter.

"The State's explanation did not show urgency on their part, as the first two victims' reports are still not before court," she said.

The magistrate also found that repeated postponements were prejudicing the accused because he continued to incur legal costs each time his legal representative appeared in court.

The court further declined the State's request to proceed with a plea and refer the matter to the Prosecutor-General for a decision.

The case was struck from the roll. The State may reinstate the matter once it is ready to proceed.