News24 | Soweto teacher accused of rape suspended, girl removed from school

Gauteng MEC Lebogang Maile (left) during his visit to Busisiwe Primary School in Soweto.

Ntwaagae Seleka/News24

• A Grade 4 pupil who was allegedly raped by a teacher in a Soweto school toilet has been temporarily removed from school to help her recover from the trauma.
• The teacher has been placed on precautionary suspension.
• Police say a case was opened earlier this month and is being investigated.

A nine-year-old Grade 4 pupil who a teacher allegedly raped in a toilet at a Soweto primary school has been temporarily removed from class to help her recover from the trauma, while the teacher has been placed on precautionary suspension.

This is according to Gauteng Education MEC Lebogang Maile, who visited Busisiwe Primary School in Zola on Wednesday, where the alleged incident happened.

A small crowd of parents also gathered outside the school during Maile's visit, demanding the teacher’s arrest and removal.

“We are relieved that the child and the mother are receiving counselling. The police will effect an arrest because they were waiting for the child’s statement,” the MEC said.

In the meantime, Maile said the child would be receiving special academic support to help her recover from lost learning time.

“The pupil must be given special attention to recover academically. She will be supported privately in school,” he said.

Social workers were also providing support to the entire school community, he added.

“This is one of the unfortunate incidents we are concerned about. As a parent, this incident has affected me severely. There must be justice. The police mustn’t hesitate and must act accordingly. We must protect our children,” he said.

Gauteng police spokesperson, Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi, confirmed that a rape case was reported at Jabulani police station on 11 October and said the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit was investigating the matter.