A Grade Eight learner at Villa Liza Secondary School was allegedly sexually assaulted by two fellow learners who reportedly followed her into the girls’ toilets.

According to a preliminary incident report received by the Gauteng Department of Education, the incident allegedly occurred on August 20 during dismissal.

It is alleged that the two boys followed the learner into the toilets, where they allegedly restrained her and attempted to remove some of her clothing.

The alleged incident was interrupted when members of the school’s general staff approached the toilets while carrying out cleaning duties. The two boys subsequently fled the scene.

The department said the matter was reported to an educator, after which the learner’s parents were contacted. SAPS members were also called to the school to assist.

The school subsequently began efforts to establish the identities of the learners allegedly involved. The incident report indicates that steps were taken to open a criminal case at Dawn Park Police Station.

Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation Lebogang Maile said he was deeply disturbed by the alleged attempted sexual assault.

Maile described the allegations as extremely serious and concerning.

“Schools must be safe spaces where every learner, particularly girls, can pursue an education without fear of sexual violence, intimidation or harassment. Allegations of this nature strike at the very foundation of the safe and conducive learning environment we are working to establish across Gauteng schools,” said Maile.

The department said it would cooperate fully with SAPS in its investigation and ensure that the matter is dealt with through the appropriate departmental and school disciplinary processes, without interfering with the criminal investigation.

The affected learner and her family will also be provided with the necessary psychosocial support, the department said.

Maile cautioned against identifying or circulating the names, photographs or other information that could reveal the identities of any of the learners involved, particularly the affected learner.

“Sexual violence has no place in our schools. Learners must understand that conduct that violates the dignity and bodily integrity of another learner is not harmless behaviour.

“Where criminal conduct is alleged, law enforcement must be allowed to investigate, and where school disciplinary processes are warranted, they must follow,” said Maile.

The MEC called on parents, educators and learners to work collectively to confront sexual harassment, gender-based violence, bullying and other forms of misconduct in schools.

“We must raise young people who understand consent, respect the dignity and boundaries of others, and know that violence against girls and women can never be normalised. Our schools must be places of learning, safety and mutual respect,” said Maile.

The department said it would continue to monitor developments at the school and provide the necessary support while the relevant processes unfold.

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