News Desk Reporter
Concerns have been raised following an alleged incident involving learners at a secondary school in Boksburg.
Gauteng Education MEC Lebogang Maile has called for the matter to be handled through the appropriate processes.
The incident allegedly happened on Thursday, 20 August, during dismissal.
According to a preliminary incident report, a Grade 8 girl learner went to the school toilets when two male learners allegedly followed her inside.
The two learners allegedly restrained her and attempted to remove some of her clothing.
The incident was interrupted when general staff members approached the toilets while carrying out cleaning duties, prompting the two male learners to allegedly flee.
The matter was reported to an educator, who contacted the learner’s parents. The South African Police Service was also called to the school.
The school then began working to establish the identities of the learners allegedly involved.
The department said steps were taken to open a criminal case at Dawn Park Police Station.
MEC Maile described the allegations as “extremely serious and concerning”.
“Schools must be safe spaces where every learner, particularly girls, can pursue an education without fear of sexual violence, intimidation or harassment,” Maile said.
“Allegations of this nature strike at the very foundation of the safe and conducive learning environment we are working to establish across Gauteng schools,” Maile said.
The department said it would co-operate with the police investigation and ensure the matter is handled through the appropriate school disciplinary processes. It will also provide psychosocial support to the affected learner and her family.
Maile warned against sharing the names, photographs or other information that could identify any of the learners involved, particularly the affected learner.
“Sexual violence has no place in our schools. Learners must understand that conduct which violates the dignity and bodily integrity of another learner is not harmless behaviour,” Maile said.
“Where criminal conduct is alleged, law enforcement must be allowed to investigate, and where school disciplinary processes are warranted, they must follow,” Maile said.
Maile also called on parents, educators and learners to work together to address sexual harassment, gender-based violence, bullying and other misconduct in schools.
“We must raise young people who understand consent, respect the dignity and boundaries of others, and know that violence against girls and women can never be normalised,” Maile said.
“Our schools must be places of learning, safety and mutual respect,” Maile said.
The department said it would continue monitoring developments at the school and provide support while the relevant processes continue.