A teacher accused of raping two of his eight-year-old students in his classroom, was found guilty by the Lautoka High Court yesterday and would be sentenced later.

The court had heard that between October 1 2016 and November 30, 2016 the teacher had carnal knowledge with the girls.

The teacher, who was charged with two counts of rape had taken the girls at different times to a cubicle at the back of the classroom and carried out the offences because they had errors in their school books.

Whilst in the cubicle, he would place whichever student it was on his lap and asked questions and for every incorrect answer he would indecently pinch them.

He would then rape the girls.

One of the victims did not tell anyone at that time because she did not know whether it was right or wrong what the accused was doing to her.

The accused had told the court that his strictness towards his students probably prompted the allegations to be made against him.

Another teacher had told the court that her classroom was adjacent to the accused’s room and she did not see anything happen.

Justice Sunil Sharma said he accepted the evidence of the two victims and their demeanour was consistent with their honesty.

He said the accused did not tell the truth and was choosing his words when giving evidence while the teacher’s evidence was unacceptable.

Justice Sharma said the teacher was in a position of authority and knew that the students were eight-years-old and had zero knowledge on sexual activity.

The accused will be sentenced at a later date.

Edited by Karalaini Waqanidrola

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