Johannesburg – The spectre of sexual violence has once again cast a dark shadow over South African schools, igniting outrage and protests as allegations of rape involving both pupils and teachers emerge from Mpumalanga to the Eastern Cape. The slow pace of police investigations and perceived mishandling of cases have fuelled public anger, prompting accusations of inefficiency and calls for accountability.
The harrowing words of a Mpumalanga mother encapsulate the anguish felt by many: "I AM dealing with a suicidal child." Her 15-year-old daughter, a pupil at Curro Mbombela, was allegedly raped by a teacher on school premises in November 2024. The mother claims that the assault occurred when her daughter was sent to collect a cable, during which the teacher allegedly sexually assaulted her and threatened to kill her if she revealed the ordeal.
Speaking to Daily Sun, the distraught mother detailed her frustration with the perceived lack of action by the school and the police. A case was opened with the Nelspruit police, but the family was shocked to see the alleged perpetrator walking freely just days after his arrest. "Up to now, the perpetrator is walking around the streets of Nelspruit and changing schools," she lamented. "After the incident, he was arrested, and we don't know how he was suddenly out. When we asked the investigating officer if he was out on bail, he said no, he couldn't explain to us."
The mother's plea for justice is heart-wrenching: "I want justice for my child. I want that guy to answer for what he did because everyday I'm dealing with a suicidal child, a child who is always in and out of hospital. A child who is now on anti-depressants."
Curro Nelspruit has issued a statement acknowledging the incident and pledging their cooperation with authorities. "Curro is committed to maintaining a safe, disciplined and supportive learning environment in which every child matters," the statement read. "In incidents of this nature where the safety of children is compromised, we work closely with parents, authorities and the broader school community to ensure such matters are handled responsibly and in the best interest of the pupils."
Mpumalanga police spokesman Brigadier Donald Mdluli confirmed that a case of rape was opened and a suspect was arrested a week after the case was reported. However, he added that "the matter was not enrolled in court pending an investigation. The investigation is still ongoing, and police are collaboratively working with prosecutors. We are adamant that once outstanding matters are completed, then the matter will be brought back to the court's roll."
The Mpumalanga case is not an isolated incident. It echoes the outrage surrounding the alleged rape of Cwecwe, a seven-year-old girl from the Eastern Cape. The case has drawn national attention, with hundreds of people taking to the streets on Tuesday, 1 April, to demand justice for the young victim.
The Cwecwe case has taken a controversial turn with the involvement of AfriForum's Private Prosecution Unit, led by advocate Gerrie Nel. Nel has condemned the Eastern Cape police force for their "unsatisfactory management" of the investigation, alleging that they have been "hunting for suspects in the wrong place."
In a letter addressed to the provincial police commissioner, Nel argued that the child was most likely not assaulted at Bergview College, where she was a pupil, but rather at a community party. He stated that the victim's mother had repeatedly provided information that the child did not complain of any injuries on the day in question, or the following day, before and after school.
"The first complaint of pain related to her anus and an urge to go to the bathroom was reported during a party attended by the community that evening of 15 October 2024," Nel wrote, quoting Cwecwe's mother's account. "The child woke up several times during the night due to the extreme pain she was suffering. It was only on the morning of 16 October 2024, when the child could not walk, that the mother examined her child and discovered she had suffered extreme anal trauma."
Nel further argued that the timeline of events and medical evidence do not support the mother's claim that the assault occurred at school after the child was asked to clean a classroom. He said that if the assault had occurred at school on October 14, 2024, the severity of the injuries would have prevented the child from attending school and participating in daily activities for more than 24 hours before showing signs of trauma.
Nel has accused senior government officials, including ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula, Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, and Eastern Cape Education MEC Fundile Gade, of spreading misinformation by labelling the school's principal a suspect. He has announced that defamation lawsuits will be filed against them.
According to AfriForum, the school's internal investigation, which included testimonies from staff members, found that the educator had no contact with the child on the day in question. The school has three campuses, and the principal is on a different one to that attended by the child. A meeting between the school and law enforcement officials also reportedly confirmed that he had not been officially identified as a suspect.
The involvement of AfriForum has drawn criticism from some quarters. Community activist Anele Mda has dismissed Nel's involvement, accusing AfriForum of obstructing justice. The case highlights the deep divisions and sensitivities surrounding issues of race, justice, and accountability in South Africa.
Meanwhile, Johannesburg-based auditor Raymond Mayekisa has launched a fundraising campaign to support Cwecwe's medical expenses. Mayekisa highlighted the extensive medical bills resulting from the child's injuries and the mother's exhaustion of her medical aid. He has also called for a pro bono lawyer to represent the family.
The slow progress of the Cwecwe case, six months after the alleged assault, has fuelled criticism of local law enforcement. "Here in Matatiele, you need power and money to resolve a case," said Mayekisa, reflecting the frustration and distrust felt by many community members. He noted that people around the country have taken to the streets in protest and started social media campaigns, particularly on TikTok, due to the perceived inaction of the police.
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