Gauteng Education MEC Lebogang Maile has expressed concern over an alleged attempted sexual assault involving learners at Villa Liza Secondary School in Boksburg.
According to a preliminary incident report received by the Gauteng Department of Education, the incident allegedly took place on Thursday, August 20, 2026, during school dismissal.
The department said a Grade 8 girl learner went to the school toilets when two male learners allegedly followed her inside.
The two learners allegedly restrained the girl and attempted to remove some of her clothing.
Staff interrupted alleged attack
The alleged incident was interrupted when members of the school’s general staff approached the toilets while carrying out cleaning duties.
The two male learners allegedly fled from the toilets after the staff members arrived.
The matter was subsequently reported to an educator, while the girl’s parents were contacted. The South African Police Service was also called to the school.
The school then began efforts to establish the identities of the learners allegedly involved.
According to the department, steps were taken to open a criminal case at Dawn Park Police Station.
Department to support investigation
Maile described the allegations as “extremely serious and concerning”, saying schools must be safe environments where learners can receive an education without fear of sexual violence, intimidation or harassment.
The Gauteng Department of Education said it would cooperate fully with the police investigation and ensure that the matter is dealt with through the appropriate departmental and school disciplinary processes.
The department stressed that these processes would take place without interfering with the criminal investigation.
The affected learner and her family will also be provided with psychosocial support.
Warning over identities of learners
Maile cautioned members of the public against identifying or circulating the names, photographs or other information that could reveal the identities of the learners involved, particularly the girl who allegedly suffered the attack.
“Sexual violence has no place in our schools,” Maile said, warning that conduct that violates another learner’s dignity and bodily integrity cannot be treated as harmless behaviour.
He said where criminal conduct is alleged, law enforcement must be allowed to investigate, while school disciplinary procedures must be followed where appropriate.
Call for action against violence in schools
Maile called on parents, educators and learners to work together to address sexual harassment, gender-based violence, bullying and other forms of misconduct in schools.
He said young people needed to understand consent and respect the dignity and boundaries of others, adding that violence against girls and women should never be normalised.
The department said it would continue monitoring developments at Villa Liza Secondary School and provide the necessary support as the criminal and departmental processes unfold.
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Sinenhlanhla Masilela
iol.co.za
