Gauteng Department of Basic Education has offered counselling to AB Xuma Primary School learners who were allegedly sexually assaulted by a scholar patroller.
Department officials are still gathering the facts around the incident, however it is alleged that the patroller sexually assaulted about 54 learners.
Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi said: "These allegations are indeed disturbing. We are actually disappointed. It is unfortunate and regrettable that this incident occurred within the schooling environment where learner’s safety is a priority".
The matter was reported to the Orlando Police Station and the said patroller was arrested on Monday. The patroller’s services were terminated with immediate effect and an investigation into the appointment of this scholar patroller has been launched.
A team of various officials have been dispatched to the primary school to facilitate counselling of learners. The teams will ensure that the intervention is conducted in line with the prescripts of the Children's Act, Sexual Offenses Act and Child Protection Protocols.
The department emphasized its zero-tolerance stance on sexual assault and encouraged learners to report such incidents to their parents, police or any other authority, so that necessary action can be taken accordingly. – SAnews.gov.za
