SAPS investigates rape of girl (6) at Tembisa school

A case of child rape has been opened with the Rabie Ridge SAPS following the alleged rape of a six year old girl at a school in Phomolong.

Constable Jacob Nhlongo has confirmed that the investigations are ongoing but no suspect has been arrested.

The Gauteng Department of Education’s (GDE) acting spokesperson, Mr Oupa Bodibe, said the department is aware of the incident at the school. Six full-time patrollers have since been engaged to do regular checks, especially at the toilets and empty classes, during the day and at night.

“We have requested the community to also assist the department to safeguard the premises and report any suspicious activities in and around the school.”

The community of Phomolong Section closed the school gates of Peter Zongwana Primary School, preventing learners from entering the school’s premises on July 21.

The school gates were closed as the community raised concerns about the alleged rape on June 24.

The six-year-old girl, a grade one learner, was allegedly raped in the school’s toilets on the day the school was closing for the June holidays.

The community demanded answers from the school’s management.

The learner’s grandmother said she immediately reported the matter to the school and the child was taken to a clinic where she was referred to a hospital.

The principal assured the concerned community that the investigations are underway and an identification parade was also done.

Media representatives were told to refer media inquiries to the GDE.

The community feels it was untoward of the principal not to have informed community leaders and parents immediately about the matter.

Mr Bodibe said the district has not received any formal complaints against the principal.

“Anyone with information can forward that information to the district for further investigation”.