Investigation launched following series of rape incidents at school

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An investigation into learner ill-discipline and maladministration has been launched at Hope school in Westcliff, Johannesburg, following a series of concerning incidents.

According to the Gauteng department education this comes after two alleged rape incidents that occurred at the school learners with Special Educational Needs (LSEN).

The departmental spokesperson Steve Mabona confirmed that the most recent incident took place on Thursday, October 26, where a Grade 12 boy learner allegedly raped a Grade 4 boy learner at school boarding facility.

“A previous incident took place on February 14, where a Grade 9 boy learner allegedly raped a Grade 8 girl learner.”

“It must be noted that cases of sexual assault were opened with the police for both these incidents, and the perpetrators were suspended accordingly. 

As a precautionary measure, Mabona said the alleged Grade 12 perpetrator has been temporarily accommodated at a different school in order to write his final examinations.

He continued, “Our officials have been in constant communication with the parents of all affected learners, providing necessary support.

“In light of all these events, it is paramount to launch an investigation that will probe the circumstances of these incidents and hold possible individuals accountable. 

“This action by the Department will be concurrent with police investigations into sensitive matters occurring at the school. We are hopeful the police will handle these cases with the sensitivity they deserve.”

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Gauteng education MEC Matome Chiloane strongly condemn these acts of misconduct, which he said seeks to undermine the dignity of learning institutions.

He added; “We are hopeful that this investigation will assist to uproot instances of ill-discipline and maladministration. Schools are urged to enforce their codes of conduct to deal with disciplinary matters, and learner ill-discipline will not be tolerated in our schools.

“The Department relentlessly appeals to parents and school staff to work together in an effort to educate our learners within a conducive environment at all times.

“In some instances, learner ill-discipline is easily necessitated by what is happening in the learner’s environment. As such, if teachers don’t respect each other, this might enable learners to misbehave.”