A grade 11 pupil from a Christian school in Dalmada, outside Polokwane is arrested for alleged sexual assault.
LIMPOPO has been hit by another horrifying case of gender-based violence involving two young girls.
Two six-year-old pupils from the same school were allegedly sexually attacked by a 17-year-old grade 11 pupil from a Christian school outside of Polokwane in Dalmada.
The offences occurred in two separate instances.
According to the police report, the first victim was raped with a finger by the suspect while waiting in the vehicle of one of the teachers who was transporting them home.
In the second incident, the suspect asked another grade R pupil to touch his private parts while going to drink water at the school.
The Eyes of The Nation (Teon), a Non-Profit Organisation fighting women and children abuse, has condemned the incident.
Fanie Kgopa, Chairman of Teon, said: “As Teon, we’re deeply concerned about these incidents, especially happening inside school premises. We call on the Department of Basic Education to make the necessary intervention to ensure conditions at the said school are conducive to teaching and learning and that school management take necessary steps to prevent similar incidents happening.”
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The Department of Education in Limpopo launched investigations following the incident.
“While the incident took place in an independent school, it remains the responsibility of the department to ensure the school is a safe environment for all pupils,” said departmental spokeswoman Mosebjane Kgafe.
“We believe the school board of directors will ensure disciplinary processes are followed. The department has started with its own investigations, and continuous support will be provided to the affected and the school community.”
SAPS provincial spokesman, Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba, said the suspect remains in police custody for his next court appearance.
“Police preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect is a foreign national and stays with his adopted mum, who is also a teacher at the school.
“The suspect has already appeared in the Polokwane Children’s Court on charges of rape and sexual assault on separate incidents. His case has been postponed to 10 September for further investigation,” said Mashaba.
Mankaleme Thema
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