Teacher sentenced to life for rape of learner in Worcester [SOUND]

# The Worcester Regional Court has sentenced teacher Jeremy Claasen to life imprisonment for the rape of a Grade 8 learner during school hours. According to the State, Claasen groomed the victim before assaulting her in his classroom. His alibi was dismissed and the court found no grounds for leniency, citing his abuse of authority. NPA spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila says the victim received support from the Thuthuzela Care Centre throughout the trial: