Martin Kotze, a former Pretoria teacher and principal facing child grooming charges, takes his own life days before court appearance.
Martin Kotze, a former principal and teacher accused of sexually grooming boys and exposing them to pornography, has died by suicide just days before his scheduled court appearance.
Suicide Before Court Date
The 41-year-old was found dead on Monday, only days before he was due to appear in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on Thursday. He had been charged with four counts of sexual grooming and three counts of exposing minors to pornography.
Investigations revealed that Kotze allegedly communicated via WhatsApp with minors aged 12, 13, and 15, daring them to send explicit images of themselves after he had sent them similar material.
Also read: Teacher Kidnapped Outside Happydale Special School in Gqeberha: Shocking Incident
Grooming Boys: Investigation Uncovers More Victims
Kotze, who briefly worked as a relief teacher at Raslouw Academy in Pretoria, was initially linked to three victims. However, further police investigations suggested over a dozen more potential victims.
His previous employment history revealed that he had been disciplined for similar misconduct at other schools between 2022 and 2023. An ex-colleague claimed she was aware of at least seven other victims.
Bail and Mental Health Concerns
Despite the severity of the allegations, Kotze was granted bail of R10,000 in December 2024. The court considered his bipolar disorder diagnosis and the need for medical treatment as factors justifying his release.
Before his death, Kotze had maintained his intention to plead not guilty.
School and Community Response
Raslouw Academy clarified that Kotze was never permanently employed at the school. Upon learning of the allegations, the school immediately reported the matter to the police and assisted with the investigation.
The case has sparked widespread debate on child protection in South Africa’s education system, with calls for stricter background checks on educators.
