A group of eight boy learners from Khomani Primary School in Diepkloof, Soweto were allegedly raped. Image credit: Pixabay
(The Post News)– A grade 7 boy in Soweto has been suspended for allegedly orchestrating the sexual assault of eight pupils. The Gauteng Education MEC, Matome Chiloane, has condemned the shocking incident.
Preliminary reports indicate that the instigating Grade 7 boy allegedly stole a bottle of cold drink at a local shop; this was reported by the shopkeeper. The boy then drugged the drink before giving it to the eight pupils to consume. According to the eight pupils, the boy subsequently took them to the perpetrator , who then raped them at gunpoint.
The department confirmed that the perpetrator has since been arrested, and police are investigating further details around this incident, and the school has also suspended the Grade 7 boy learner who allegedly orchestrated the incident. A disciplinary hearing against the learner is scheduled to sit on Wednesday, 17 September 2025.
The department offered psychosocial support to the affected learners and families. The Teddy Bear Clinic has also been brought onboard to aid in examining all the victims’ state of well-being and possible injuries.
“Such an unspeakable act should never happen to any learner in Gauteng,” Choloane said. The MEC conveyed deepest sympathy to the affected pupils and their families. He assured the victims that they have the department’s “full support” during this difficult time.
According to Chiloane, this tragedy serves as a reminder of the significance of shared responsibility to protect children both inside and outside of schools. He urged parents to “play an active role in the lives of their children, to establish principles of integrity and respect that will serve as the cornerstone of the education we give them.
Department Mourns Death of Two Pupils
Meanwhile, the department is mourning the deaths of two pupils in separate incidents. The department expressed deep sadness over the sudden passing of a Grade 8 pupil from Qalabotjha Secondary School in Vlakfontein. The pupil collapsed at school and was declared dead despite swift responses from emergency services.
Moreover, the department also expressed sadness over the passing of a Grade 9 pupil from Davey Secondary School in Daveyton, Ekurhuleni, following an alleged suicide.
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