Young Pretoria pupils allegedly raped
The Gauteng department of education said it would investigate allegations that four primary school girls were gang-raped by four older boys on the school premises.
Four girls have reportedly been raped by four older boys at Kutumela Molefi Primary School, east of Pretoria.
News reports said the girls, aged between seven and nine, were gang raped on the school premises in Lethabong informal settlement three weeks ago.
The father of one of the victims, an eight-year-old, only became aware of this when he was informed by the school principal this week. The principal had apparently not reported the rapes to the police.
Education spokesperson Phumla Sekhonyane said the allegation that the school failed to act timeously in reporting the matter was disturbing.
“The policies of the department require the school to report such incidents to the department, police and medical professionals immediately,” she said.
Police spokesperson Captain Jan Sepato said charges had been laid by the eight-year-old’s father.
“His child was allegedly raped at the back of the classroom. We cannot confirm if there was a gang rape or if other children were involved. The case has been referred to the Mamelodi East police for further investigation.”
Sekhonyane said the department would investigate the allegations, including whether indeed there were delays in reporting the rapes.
“We are aware that the matter has been reported to the police and will request the school to fully cooperate with the police investigation.”
She said the department would provide counselling to those affected.
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