Police identify 3 people as suspects in the alleged rape of a former Bergview College learner

JOHANNESBURG - Three people have been identified as suspects in the rape case of a seven-year-old former Bergview College learner in the Eastern Cape.

Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has reportedly confirmed that one of the suspects is the school’s principal.

READ: EC school given 24hrs to provide details on alleged rape incident or face closure

The alleged incident occurred last year on school grounds, raising child safety concerns in the community.

Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has classified the case of the seven-year-old learner as a priority.

In a statement released on Saturday, he announced that the investigating officer has secured all outstanding witness statements.

This update comes after the Provincial Education Department deregistered Bergview College for failing to cooperate with the police investigation into the alleged rape.

Minister Mchunu also confirmed that DNA samples have been collected from the suspects, asserting that those involved in this horrific incident will face justice.

"The investigations are being handled with the utmost seriousness and priority. The South African Police Service (SAPS) is working diligently to ensure that justice is served and that those responsible are held accountable."

Mchunu says the prosecutor will be consulted in the coming week