Gauteng education disturbed by rape at school

Thursday, May 18, 2017

Pretoria – The Gauteng Education Department says it is deeply concerned and disturbed about the rape incident that took place in March at I R Griffiths Primary School, involving minors.

It is alleged that four Grade 7 boys raped a Grade 2 learner in the boys’ toilets.

The department on Thursday said the victimised learner did not report the matter immediately, however, she complained to her parents of having pains on her private parts, and was subsequently taken to the doctor for the necessary examination. It was then confirmed that she had been penetrated.

“The parents informed the school about the developments, which took place during school holidays. The school informed School Governing Body (SGB) members.

“The alleged perpetrators were then taken through a disciplinary process last week Thursday, which exonerated two of the said four boys. The recommendation was that the learners must be expelled from the school,” said the department.

The department said parents reported the matter to the police, and the two boys had already appeared before the magistrate court on Monday, last week, and the second appearance was on the past Tuesday.

On Friday, the school submitted the recommendations to the Head of Department (HOD) for his consideration.

“All affected learners have been referred to the Teddy Bear Clinic to receive psychological support. The department strongly condemns any acts of sexual misconduct in schools and encourages learners never to listen to anybody who tells them not to tell, for fear of victimisation.

“Learners must report such incidents to their parents, police or any other trusted figure of authority. We urge learners to abide by the school code of conduct at all times and refrain from acts of misconduct.

“The department has a zero-tolerance stance on allegations of sexual assault and has never hesitated to act where allegations of this nature have been proven to be true. We also appeal to parents to assist the department to enforce discipline in and outside the school environment,” said the department. - SAnews.gov.za