Pupil’s rape reported 2 weeks after matric dance

Grade 10 boy ‘rapes’ girl at farewell party

Two weeks passed before an alleged rape at a school function was reported to police.

Thoko Zikhali, principal of Mahube Valley Secondary School in Mamelodi, and Gauteng education MEC Panyaza Lesufi yesterday told the media a criminal case was opened only on Thursday.

A 17-year-old Grade 12 pupil, an orphan, was raped on the night of September 29, allegedly by a guard at the school who was a member of the community policing forum.

The pupil was attending a matric dance with her classmates in Bronkhorstspruit, east of Pretoria, when she was allegedly raped at a nearby lodge.

Zikhali said the guard arrived at the venue without being invited. Lesufi said the guard was caught in the act, but both parties denied the incident.

“[Teachers] interviewed the learner, who said nothing happened... Patroller also said nothing happened.”

The pupil then confessed to Zikhali last week that she was indeed raped, Lesufi said.

Zikhali and the pupil approached Mamelodi police to open a rape case, but were directed to Bronkhorstspruit.

Daniel Masango, a community member who reported the matter to Lesufi, criticised the school for not opening a case two weeks ago. “... It looks like they were trying to sweep the matter under the carpet.”

Zikhali denied dragging her feet.

Lesufi, who said the department took some responsibility for the incident, offered the girl a bursary if she passed well.

The guard is due to appear in the Bronkhorstspruit Magistrate’s Court tomorrow.

Meanwhile, a Grade 10 pupil at a Benoni, Ekurhuleni, school has been suspended after allegedly raping a fellow pupil during a farewell party at a local park at the weekend.

Department spokesman Steve Mabona said the victim, who is in Grade 8, was allegedly under the influence of alcohol when the alleged rape took place at the toilet at the park.

“The boy was arrested and later released into his parents’ custody. He’s been suspended pending a disciplinary hearing. Counselling has been offered to affected learners,” Mabona said.

He said the victim would be placed in another school and supported with study material. The school will also investigate allegations that the perpetrator allegedly raped two other pupils at the school.