The Department of Education in the Eastern Cape has deployed a team of officials from various units to investigate the alleged rape of a Grade 12 learner (17) by a fellow learner (18) of a Mthatha secondary school, while they were allegedly celebrating the birthday of another Grade 12 learner in April this year.
He was granted bail of R1000 in the Mthatha Magistrate’s Court last week, and the case was postponed until Friday, October 20, to set the trial date.
Spokesperson for the Education Department, Mali Mtima, said the aim is to resolve the case and restore teaching and learning at the school.
“The department has appealed to all school stakeholders to work together to resolve the ongoing disputes at the school following the allegations of the victim.
Unrest erupted at this school last week following the arrest of the learner. While the incident is alleged to have occured in April, the learner was only arrested earlier this month.
“Police arrested the male learner after a case was reported about a sexual offence at the school. The department has urged those involved to refrain from fueling the tension at the school by accusing the victim on social media,” said Mtima.
He added that in the meantime, the department will continue to provide all the necessary support to the victim, including free counselling and debriefing. According to him, this forms part of reinforcing psychological support for the victim during this period. Mtima confirmed that they want to make sure both learners are safe.
MEC for the Department of Education, Fundile Gade, has urged the public to allow the law to take its course and refrain from interfering with the investigation.
