MBOMBELA – A Pienaar mother is still reeling from shock after discovering that her son was allegedly raped by other boys at school.
The incident took place at Platorand Skool/School in Belfast, but according to the mother, she was only informed a week after.
She stated that received a call from the school informing to attend a meeting on May 24, but when she asked if there was a problem with her son, she was told it was a minor issue.
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“There were other parents when I arrived and to my surprise, I was told that eight other boys had raped my son. I had to search for answers which nobody was willing to give and what hurt me the most, was that he was not even taken to the doctor.”
She then asked the school to transport her and her son to the clinic for a medical examination which confirmed he had been raped.
A case was also opened, however, what puzzled her was the manner in which the school responded to the matter.
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“At the meeting there was a representative from the Department of Education who we were told was from Kwaggafontein. She warned me not to say anything because the matter was only to be spoken about there. I refused and that is why I reported it to the police and the reason why my son is at home and not at school,” she said.
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Department of Education’s Gerald Sambo said they learnt of the incident and a meeting was subsequently convened with parents last Monday. An investigation by the department is currently underway. He also added that a psychologist and a social worker have also been deployed to the school to render the necessary support. Provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Leonard Hlathi confirmed that a case was opened. He said suspects are currently waiting for a Probation Officers Assessment as they are still minors.
“There are currently no arrests made. The Probation Officers will give recommendation based on their assessment results,” said Hlathi.
