Central SA
Nobody arrested yet after rape of learner (14) of North West school─── KEKELETSO MOSEBETSI 15:22 Tue, 12 Mar 2024
“All of us, together with the family of the victim, want to see justice served.”
CORRECTION:
The previous heading “North West community angered by slow progress after pupil's gang rape” was changed to “Nobody arrested yet after rape of learner (14) of North West school”.
North West SAPS said although four learners were present, one learner is being accused of physical rape. The role the other learners played in the crime, will be established.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE:
Residents of Mmabatho in North West have expressed their frustration over the justice system as no arrests have been made since four learners were accused of raping a pupil from the Thuto Botshelo Primary School.
On Thursday (7/3), four learners from Kebonang Secondary School allegedly raped a Grade 6 learner (14) from Thuto Botshelo Primary behind the toilets at her school, said North West Education spokesperson Mpatha Molokwane.
Department of Education has since called for psychological support for teachers and learners. Screengrab: YouTube/Newzroom Afrika
After learning about the incident, residents were up in arms demanding the arrest of the perpetrators. They barricaded roads leading to the school premises with burning tyres, trees, and rocks.
North West Education MEC Viola Motsumi has called for calm. “On behalf of the two schools affected by this incident, l would like to plead with our communities to allow the law to take its full course. The police should be given space to conduct their investigations without external interference.
Residents demanded the arrest of the perpetrators. Screengrab: YouTube/Newzroom Afrika
“All of us, together with the family of the victim, want to see justice served. As the department, we are complying with SAPS. Any disruption of learning and teaching will have a long effect on the year-end results. Therefore, let's allow learners to study in peace.”
The Department of Education has since called for psychological support for teachers and learners.
North West police spokesperson Adéle Myburg confirmed no arrests have been made and called on anyone with information to call Const. Itumelo Tshegetso on 076 247 5124.
