Department of Education condemns sexual assault of eight learners in Diepkloof
The school has suspended a Gr 7 boy who allegedly orchestrated the incident that led to the sexual assault of seven boys.
Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane vehemently condemns a disturbing incident that reportedly took place on September 1, where a man allegedly raped eight boys from a primary school in Diepkloof after reportedly being drugged by a fellow Grade Seven learner from the school.
Preliminary reports indicate that the instigating boy allegedly stole a bottle of cold drink from a local shop, as reported by the shopkeeper.
It is then alleged that the learner drugged this drink and gave it to the eight boy learners to consume.
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The boys reported that they were subsequently taken to a man, where they were allegedly raped at gunpoint.
The man has since been arrested, and police are investigating further details around this incident.
The school has also suspended the Grade Seven boy who allegedly orchestrated the incident. A disciplinary hearing is scheduled for September 17.
This incident was first reported to the school on September 8 by one of the victim’s parents.
The department has since dispatched immediate psychosocial support to the affected learners and families.
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The Teddy Bear Clinic has also been brought on board to aid in examining all the victims’ state of well-being and possible injuries.
“Such an unspeakable act should never happen to any learner. We sympathise dearly with the affected learners and families, assuring them of our full support during this time.
“This incident is a reminder of the importance of our collective duty to ensure the safety of children in and outside of school.
“We once again call on parents to play an active role in the lives of their children, to instil values of respect and integrity that will form the foundation of the education we have provided them with,” Chiloane said.
