An employee in the Mpumalanga Department of Education (DoE) has been arrested on charges of raping a nine-year-old boy, reports Lowvelder.

The incident allegedly happened in a room in KaNyamazane township outside Mbombela on Friday (October 16).

It is alleged that a passer-by heard the boy screaming for help and investigated, finding the suspect in the room with the child.

Police confirm arrest

Mpumalanga police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Jabu Ndubane confirmed the arrest.

“We can confirm that a 44-year-old employee from the DoE has been arrested for rape,” said Ndubane, who added that the suspect would appear in the KaNyamazane Magistrate’s Court soon.

Department pledges zero tolerance

Meanwhile, Mpumalanga DoE spokesperson Gerald Sambo said the department was aware of the allegations but would not engage further.

“As this is a matter that falls under the SAPS for criminal investigation, the department cannot confirm the details of the arrest or the charges at this stage. We will rely on an official confirmation from SAPS,” Sambo said.

“The department, however, has a zero-tolerance approach to gender-based violence, sexual offences, and any form of child abuse. We take any allegation involving the safety of children extremely seriously,” added Sambo.

He said that the department would be guided by the criminal justice process and the relevant prescripts of the public service.

“Should it be confirmed that an employee has been arrested and formally charged, the department will institute the appropriate internal processes in line with the Labour Relations Act and the Public Service Disciplinary Code. The employee concerned, like any other citizen, is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of law, and we must allow the law to take its course without prejudice,” Sambo said.

“We are in contact with SAPS for official verification and we will fully cooperate with law enforcement should assistance be required. Further comment on the merits of the case would be inappropriate at this time as it may interfere with the police investigation,” he added.

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