Teacher sues rape accuser for R8m

A PORT Elizabeth teacher who was falsely accused of rape will once again go head to head with his accuser in court – but this time it will be on his own terms. Johnny Baartman, 50, is suing the teenage girl and the prosecution for more than R8-million after he lost his job and his dignity as a result of the allegations.

Baartman’s unprecedented move comes just one month after the Port Elizabeth Regional Court acquitted him at the close of the state’s case after it was discovered his former pupil was still a virgin.

He said yesterday he hoped the civil action would send a strong message that falsely accusing someone, no matter how old you are, would not be tolerated.