According to police, the alleged incident took place at Yakhisizwe Secondary School in Tumahole in June. The educator allegedly threatened the learner with a knife before raping her in an office.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday, 22 September, while the school was celebrating Heritage Day, a colleague of the suspect instructed the learner to bring a chair to his office. Upon arrival, the suspect allegedly locked the learner inside the office and raped her.

The second incident was reported to Tumahole police, and the learner was interviewed in the victim friendly room at the police station before being taken to hospital for a medical examination. Free State police spokesperson Cnst. Kelello Patsa confirmed investigations are continuing and no arrests have been made.

Psychosocial support

The Free State department of education said social workers were sent to the school on Monday (26/10) to provide psychosocial support. The department has also condemned the alleged incident and confirmed investigations have been initiated.

“We view the incident of these allegations in a very serious light; however, we want to take decisions based on facts,” said education spokesperson Howard Ndaba. Currently, the matter is under investigations; it has been reported to the police. In due course, we will be able to decide on a way forward, and we want to make sure that the learner is safe.”

The department took the matter seriously and would ensure that the allegations were properly investigated. Decisive action would be taken if the allegations were proven to be true.

Meanwhile, Zamdela township police near Sasolburg are investigating a case of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm after a scholar, 25, was allegedly stabbed on his way to school on Monday (12/10).

The victim was walking with a friend in Zamdela at around 07:20 when they encountered a suspect who allegedly attempted to rob them, police said. The suspect allegedly wanted to take the victim’s cap, but he refused to hand it over.

The victim claimed the suspect, whom he knew only as Kamohelo, threatened to stab him with a pair of scissors after he refused to surrender the cap, said Patsa. The suspect allegedly approached the victim and stabbed him in both arms.

“Furthermore, it is reported that after allegedly getting stabbed, it was an onlooker who assisted the victim with his injuries, while the suspect fled the scene.” He received medical treatment at a hospital.

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