THE FOLLOWING STORY CONTAINS GRAPHIC DETAILS THAT MAY OFFEND SENSITIVE READERS
Gauteng family says their lives have been irrevocably altered after their 13-year-old twin sons were allegedly sexually violated — twice — by fellow learners at their special education school in the Vaal.
Now, they are demanding accountability from Krugerlaan Skool, accusing the institution of failing to protect vulnerable pupils and mishandling the aftermath of both incidents.
In an emotional interview with Eyewitness News, the family detailed what they describe as a months-long ordeal that began in February 2026 and has since escalated into a deeply traumatic chapter marked by allegations of sexual assault, disciplinary controversy and criminal proceedings.
At the heart of their anguish is the belief that the school failed not only to safeguard their children, but also to provide the care and support they needed after the alleged violations.
February Incident Sparks Distress
According to the family, the first alleged incident occurred in February this year, when the twins were reportedly sexually assaulted by two older learners at the school.
The boys, who attend a special education facility designed to cater for learners with additional needs, were left shaken. However, their parents say that instead of receiving immediate psychological support and protection, the twins were subjected to disciplinary measures.
The family alleges that the disciplinary action taken against the boys was unjust and inappropriate, particularly given the seriousness of the allegations they had reported.
They believe the school’s handling of the matter compounded the trauma rather than prioritising the children’s emotional well-being and recovery.
The cumulative impact of the February incident, they say, left the family emotionally exhausted and struggling to restore a sense of safety and normalcy in their home.
But the worst, they claim, was yet to come.
A Second, More Serious Allegation
Just months after the initial report, the family says another devastating incident unfolded at the school — this time involving allegations that one of the twins had been raped.
The boys’ mother, whose identity is being withheld to protect her children, described the incident as a turning point that shattered any remaining confidence she had in the school’s ability to keep her sons safe.
She spoke candidly about the guilt and unanswered questions she now carries.
The alleged rape was reported just days after her son had asked to be fetched from school, telling her he had completed his exams.
Reflecting on that moment, she said: “We will never be the same until I die… When we were on vacation, I was asking all my kids: 'Please don't leave him to go alone anywhere'… We can't leave him alone. We can't have him be a child,” said the distraught mother….I am scarred for life.”
Her words capture the profound sense of fear that has since taken hold in the household. She says her children are no longer able to enjoy the ordinary freedoms of adolescence.
Instead, constant vigilance has replaced independence.
Questions Over School Response
The family has raised serious concerns about how both incidents were handled internally.
They say the latest development confirmed their fears that sufficient measures were not put in place to prevent further harm after the February allegations.
They also question whether the school has robust systems to protect learners with special needs, who may be particularly vulnerable to abuse.
While they acknowledge that investigations are now under way, they remain deeply troubled by what they describe as a lack of urgency and appropriate victim-centred support in the early stages of the ordeal.
Education Department and Police Act
The Gauteng Department of Education has confirmed that it is investigating the rape allegation.
The department said the accused learner has been suspended pending a disciplinary hearing.
In a parallel development, police have confirmed that a learner has been arrested in connection with the alleged rape of a 13-year-old boy at the school.
The accused has already appeared in court and is expected back before the court on 17 July 2026.
Authorities have not released further details about the criminal case due to the ages of those involved.
A Family Seeking Accountability
For the twins’ family, however, the legal processes offer little immediate comfort.
They say they are determined to ensure that what happened to their sons does not happen to other vulnerable children.
The months since February have been defined by hospital visits, consultations and difficult conversations. The emotional toll has been heavy, not only for the twins but for their siblings as well.
Their mother says she constantly replays events in her mind, questioning whether she could have done more to prevent what allegedly occurred.
The family believes that safeguarding policies at schools — particularly special education institutions — must be scrutinised to ensure that children with additional needs are protected from harm.
As the criminal case returns to court on 17 July 2026 and the departmental investigation continues, the family says their focus remains on helping their sons heal.
But they are clear on one point: they want justice, accountability and meaningful change.
For now, two young boys and their loved ones are left navigating the long road to recovery — determined that their voices be heard and their pain acknowledged.
