[WARNING: story contains graphic information] The mother of a 14-year-old grade seven learner at Thaba Nchu, east of Bloemfontein, is calling for justice after her son was allegedly raped inside the school toilets.
The incident happened last week, after he had allegedly been bullied for months. The learner was allegedly gang raped by five boys who were arrested over the weekend. The mother says her son now cannot write his mid-year exams as he cannot concentrate.
A 14-year-old school boy is commuting between hospital and home instead of writing his mid-year exams. This week, he’s been in and out of hospital receiving medical treatment. His mother is equally traumatised, but she has put on a brave face in order to give courage to her only child. The mother says all she longs for is justice
“I want to see justice prevail in the matter so that I can find closure because I’m deeply affected by this. I was not looking at something like this happening at school. What he suffered was not only sexual abuse but he also experienced bullying and these kids were not listening to the school principal. Their parent used to come to the school when called upon but they also never cooperated with the school.”
The provincial education department says it is disturbed by the incident.
Spokesperson Howard Ndaba says, “We are shocked by this kind of incident because it has affected everyone in the school, teachers, learners and the community as well. Because we have parents coming presenting themselves in the school and are confused and concerned about the safety of learners in our schools. And we really want to say this should not happen in our school, because it should be a centre of learning not a centre where issues of violence and other irresponsible behaviours are happening.”
Police say the suspects, who are minors at the same school as the victim, were all arrested. Police spokesperson Martin Xuma says the matter is currently before the court.
“We are currently investigating a case of rape after five boys allegedly rape a fellow pupil at a local school in Selosesha in Thaba Nchu the case was reported on Friday and we apprehended the five boys during the weekend an they appeared before court yesterday an assessed by a probation officer. Currently they are in court an investigation is underway.”
According to Jelly Beanz a Non-Profit Organisation, one in three South African children is sexually abused before the age of 18.
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