North West Premier Thandi Modise has welcomed the four year imprisonment sentence given to a 39 year old former Mahikeng High School female educator who was found guilty of statutory rape.
Premier Modise said that the sentence given to Geraldine Leonie Sheldon-Lakey by the Molopo Regional Court should sent an unequivocal message to adults who are betraying the trust of acting in loco-parentis by manipulating and taking advantage of vulnerable minors.
In welcoming the sentence, Premier Modise commented the parent of the learner for her vigilance that led to the discovery of voice recordings and pictures on her child’s cellphone that proved that the educator had an improper sexual and unprofessional relationship with the learner who was 15 year-old at the time.
“The support that the school and the parent gave the child has given him confidence to overcome the psychological pressure of dealing with the case and focus on his future,” Premier Modise said.
The married mother of two was dismissed from employment by the Mafikeng High School Governing Body in December 2012 for conducting herself in a shameful and unbecoming manner and in violation of the South African Council of Educators Code of Professional Ethics.
Premier Modise appealed to parents to take interest in what is stored on their children’s cellphones and with whom they are chatting on social network platforms such as facebook, Mixit etc.
According to National Prosecuting Authority Regional Spokesperson, Frank Lesenyego, Sheldon-Lakey had pleaded not guilty to the charges and after her sentencing, she successfully applied for leave of appeal.
“Her bail of R1 000 has been extended pending the outcome of her appeal,” Lesenyego said.
Enquiries:
Lesiba Moses Kgwele
Tel: 018 388 3705
Cell: 083 629 1987
Fax: 018 388 3157
E-mail: LKgwele@gmail.com
