Rape-accused boys in trouble before

FIVE Free State primary schoolboys accused of raping another boy in their class had recently returned from suspension when the alleged attack occurred.

The provincial education department said the Grade 7 boys from a school in Thaba Nchu had been suspended for a week for stealing from other pupils‚ bullying and disrupting classes.

Department spokesman Howard Ndaba said counselling had been offered to the 13-year-old boy who was allegedly raped on the school premises last week.

The other boys had met a probation officer on Tuesday for a report to be compiled for court.

“The court will determine what happens next with the boys‚” Ndaba said, when asked whether they would be expelled.

Detailing the incident‚ Ndaba said: “It was after school and the [alleged] victim was heading out when he was called by a group of boys. These boys have been causing a reign of terror.”

He said the boys were known bullies and were troublesome to their teachers.

“They told him [the victim]‚ ‘The boss is calling you’. He knew not to ignore such [an instruction]‚” Ndaba said.

The alleged victim then followed the gang of boys‚ aged 13 and 14‚ to the bathroom.

The five boys were alleged to have raped him‚ Ndaba said.

The boy went home‚ where his parents noticed something was amiss.

“He said he was injured at soccer, but the parents did not believe him‚” Ndaba said.

The boy’s parents took him to a doctor and their concern was confirmed.

The department is also investigating the matter. – TimesLIVE