By OBAKENG MAJE
North West MEC for Education, Viola Motsumi said she is appealing to the community of Mmabatho, near Mahikeng to exercise patience and calmness in the arrest of the four learners allegedly accused of raping a school learner from Thuto Botshelo Primary School.
Motsumi said on 7 March 2024, four learners from Kebonang Secondary School, allegedly raped a Grade 6 learner (14) from Thuto Botshelo Primary School within the school premises. She further said, after the incident, the community in the area were up in arms demanding the immediate arrest of the alleged perpetrators.
“They burnt tyres and blocked the roads leading to the school with stones and trees. We plead with the communities to exercise patience on the arrest of the suspects.
“On behalf of the two schools affected by this incident, I would like to plead with our communities to allow the law to take its full cause. The police should be given space to conduct their investigations without any external interference,” said Motsumi.
She added that all of them, together with the family of the victim, want to see justice served. Motsumi said as the department, they are complying with the South African Police Services (SAPS).
“Any disruption of learning and teaching will have a long effect on the year-end results. Therefore, let’s allow learners to study in peace. We continue to call for psychological support for both teachers and learners following the intimidating scenes taking place around the two schools.
The Guardian 