A 17-year-old matric learner from Soshanguve in Tshwane, Gauteng, was brutally raped and murdered days before the start of Child Protection Week that starts today and runs until June 5 to raise awareness about child abuse and neglect. Gauteng MEC of Education today visited the family of the victim to pay his respects.

Palesa Malatji, who attended Ntsako Secondary School, was last seen on Thursday, May 25 when she left school to walk home after attending compulsory extra classes. Her body, which showed signs of being sexually violated, was found on Friday next to Echibini Secondary School, according to the department of education spokesperson, Steve Mabona.

MEC Matome Chiloane says the department is deeply devastated by this gruesome incident.

“We wish to extend our sincerest condolences to the family and school community. We will be dispatching our psycho-social support to the school and family. We call upon police to urgently arrest the perpetrators of this unspeakable crime,” he says.

Meanwhile, the Motor Industry Staff Association (Misa) says it is horrified by the incident that took place days before Child Protection Week, that kicks off today. Misa’s CEO for Operations Martlé Keyter says the theme for this year is: “It is in our hands to stop the cycle of neglect, abuse, violence, and exploitation of children.”

“The theme now seems empty if matric learners cannot even attend compulsory extra classes because they don’t know if they will get home safe. Crime against women and children is a sick pandemic. Police Minister Bheki Cele has made so many promises, but it seems we have lost the war,” says Keyter.

Misa launched the helpachild@ms.org.za e-mail address as part of the union’s awareness campaign. Any person in the retail motor industry can report a child who needs help. All e-mails will be handled confidentially.

• Chiloane highlighted another incident that occurred on May 24, in which 24 learners were allegedly involved in a car accident that claimed the life of a Grade 4, 11-year-old boy at Laerskool Booysens.

“Reports state that the accident is alleged to have occurred in Rosslyn, Tshwane in the morning while learners from Mabopane were on their way to school using a mini bus scholar transport.”

The accident left two learners in ICU at Dr George Mukhari academic hospital, while about 21 learners were also rushed to different hospitals and later discharged after receiving treatment.