Rape Grade 7 learner face mask KZN

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Suspect arrested for rape of Grade 7 pupil who returned home for mask

A 17-year-old suspect was arrested for the alleged rape of a pupil on Tuesday 7 July by the Donnybrook South African Police Service.

Rape Grade 7 learner face mask KZN

Image via: Adobe Stok

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education said it is disturbed following the rape of a Grade 7 pupil from a primary school in the Harry Gwala District on Monday 6 July. 

According to the department, the pupil came to school without wearing a mask and was turned back at the screening point. 

“She did indicate that she stays not very far from the schools and she ran to fetch it.” 

GRADE 7 PUPIL RAPED WHILE TRYING TO FETCH FACE MASK 

On her arrival back at the school, the pupil reported that she had been raped. The principal then took her to the clinic and the matter was reported to the police. 

KZN police spokesperson Colonel Thembeka Mbele confirmed the incident and the subsequent arrest. 

“A case of rape was opened at Donnybrook SAPS and will be transferred to Port Shepstone FCS Unit. It is alleged yesterday [Monday 6 July] at 8:00, a 12-year-old girl was raped by [an] unknown suspect while at Mahohoho area in Donnybrook,” said Mbele. 

“A 17-year-old suspect was arrested this morning for rape by Donnybrook SAPS. He will appear in the Ixopo Magistrate’s Court [tomorrow Wednesday 8 July],” added Mbele. 

Before the arrest of the 17-year-old suspect, KZN Education MEC Kwazi Mshengu said the department was providing the pupil with socio-psychological support.

“We condemn this barbaric and painful act by the perpetrator and [are] working with police to have him apprehended,” said Mshengu.

“We call upon the members of the community that have the information to assist in this regard. We would like to appeal to parents to ensure that when children leave home, they are wearing masks at all times not only for compliance at the school but for their safety,” added Mshengu. 

SEVEN-YEAR-OLD GIRL ABUSED BY MALE FAMILY MEMBERS 

In a separate incident in Kimberley, on 25 June, it was discovered that a seven-year-old girl was being repeatedly raped by her 60-year-old stepfather and two other family members. 

South African Police Service spokesperson Brigadier Mohale Ramatseba said: “Members of Kimberley Family Violence Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit have arrested a 60-year-old man today in connection with the rape of his seven-year-old stepdaughter.”

“It is alleged the victim was abused since January 2020 until yesterday, 25 June when the ordeal was uncovered. Two other male suspects aged 29 and 30, who are the victim’s nephews, were also arrested for raping the victim also since January,” added Ramatseba.