mpumalanga Soweto rape Luminus Secondary School

Image via Wikimedia Commons

Three 13-year-olds suspended from Soweto school over rape allegations

Shocking allegations have been laid against three Soweto youths, prompting Gauteng MEC Panyaza Lesufi and the police to investigate the matter.

mpumalanga Soweto rape Luminus Secondary School

Image via Wikimedia Commons

Gauteng MEC for Education Panyazi Lesufi has confirmed that three students have been suspended from the Luminis Secondary School in Soweto after a Grade 8 learner accused them of raping her during an orientation trip.

It’s alleged that a visit to De Deur (a remote area of the Vaal) over the weekend saw the three boys – all aged 13 – force themselves upon their fellow learner before they sexually assaulted her. The accusations have been taken very seriously, with the school and governing body helping to open a charge of rape against the youths.

Also read: WCED confirm four primary school students raped by fellow learners

Luminis Secondary school shocked by sexual assault claims

There will also be further disciplinary steps taken by the school. All three suspects face a hearing next Wednesday. The victim and her family are currently receiving treatment from the province’s psychosocial team – a service that’s also been extended to the pupils at the school.

Speaking to the media, Lesufi explained that one of the accused is not being co-operative with the investigation, revealing that he’s refused to confess. Meanwhile, he confirmed that local authorities are doing everything they can to forensically prove the girl was raped.

“We specifically want to talk to one of the boys over this completely unacceptable situation. Two of the suspects have confessed. In terms of the victim, she is currently undergoing a 72-hour observation. A case has been opened, but the child has had to also visit a station in Diepkloof, as De Deur do not have the correct forensic facilities.”

Panyaza Lesufi

The reaction to this situation has been swift from the police and the local government. It will be another eight days before the school makes a decision on what will happen to the learners, but they are likely to face a lengthy legal trial once these accusations have been verified.

Soweto school rape – watch Panyaza Lesufi address the media here: