Gauteng Education MEC Chiloane condemns sexual assault of 8 pupils from Diepkloof school

CAPE TOWN - Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane has condemned the sexual assault of eight boy learners from Khomani Primary School.

Chiloane expressed dismay after the learners from Khomani Primary School in Diepkloof, Soweto, were allegedly raped by an adult perpetrator after reportedly being drugged by a grade seven pupil at the school on Monday.

The Gauteng education department said that preliminary reports indicated the grade seven pupil allegedly stole a bottle of cold drink at a local shop before drugging the drink and giving it to the eight boy pupils to consume.

It's alleged that the group of learners were then taken to an adult perpetrator, where they were raped at gunpoint.

The suspect has since been arrested, while the grade seven boy pupil was suspended from the school pending a disciplinary hearing.

Department spokesperson, Steve Mabona: "This incident is a reminder of the importance of our collective duty to ensure the safety of our children. We once again call on parents to work very closely with us to ensure our children are safe."