The recent #JusticeforCwecwe march put the spotlight on an alleged sexual assault incident at Curro Nelspruit in Mpumalanga, and the investigation of the case is gaining momentum.

Lowvelder reports that Mpumalanga police spokesperson Brigadier Donald Mdhluli says the case of the 15-year-old who was allegedly raped at Curro Nelspruit in November 2024 is in the Director of Public Prosecution’s hands.

He previously confirmed the suspect had been arrested, but the matter was not enrolled in court pending further investigation.

On Wednesday, the learner’s mother said the Mpumalanga SAPS had communicated with her and she now has an idea of where they are with the case.

“The police said they are re-evaluating everything as far as the case is concerned, and they are doing further investigations.”

She had previously raised her concerns with regard to the lack of communication from the police, how she had been in the dark about the developments and that the alleged perpetrator continues to walk free.

The alleged victim’s mother said they encountered the man at another school (known to Lowvelder) that had hired him. The school took a firm stance and immediately terminated his contract. The new school said the employment process took place before the alleged incident.

“The family alerted us about the case and the allegations. The man also informed us, and the school parted ways with him.”

The rape allegations took the spotlight after the victim’s mother shared the alleged incident on April 1, during the Mbombela March for Cwecwe. She addressed protesters at the Mpumalanga Provincial Government Complex.

“On November 7, 2024, my daughter sent me a message saying she had been sexually assaulted. She texted: ‘What did I do wrong? This is not the first time he has done this to me’. I asked what she meant, and she told me she had been raped by a teacher in a classroom. I was shocked. Where were the other children?”

She claimed Curro repeatedly urged her to keep the matter private. Curro Nelspruit initially posted a statement on Facebook, but later removed it, confirming the intern teacher’s arrest on November 7, and his subsequent dismissal.

The school claimed it had provided the victim and her family with counselling and had reported the matter to the authorities.

Lowvelder contacted Curro Nelspruit on April 1, but was referred to Curro Holdings. In its response, Curro Holdings reiterated parts of the deleted statement, adding: “The learner is now enrolled at a new school. We uphold the safety, dignity and privacy of all members of our community and are addressing this matter with sensitivity and care. Given the ongoing prosecution, we cannot share further factual information or respond to allegations that may be part of the upcoming trial.”

The Mpumalanga MEC for community safety, security and liaison, Jackie Macie, has raised his concerns about the increase in sexual assault cases reported in the province. Macie described the actions of perpetrators of sexual assault against children as horrific and said the SAPS must give these cases their full attention so the offenders could be brought to book.

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