The primary school is situated in Rocklands, Mitchells Plain.
Image: Supplied
Parents of learners from a primary school in Mitchells Plain have raised concerns after one learner is alleged to have sexually assaulted another in the school’s toilets.
Reports initially claimed that a Grade 5 learner from Seaview Primary School in Rocklands had raped another boy in the same grade in the school toilets earlier this week.
This raised alarm bells for many parents who have children at the school, as it seemed the incident was being swept under the rug.
One parent, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said she is extremely concerned as she has a child in Grade 4.
“I have a child who is in Grade 4, and it is very scary. That is one of my fears for my children, that anyone would do this and violate my children. I want to know what is being done about this,” the mother said.
IOL reached out to the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) for comment and cleared the air, stating no rape had taken place.
The WCED's Bronagh Hammond said: “The WCED has been informed of the alleged attempted sexual assault of a Grade 5 learner at the school by another learner in another Grade. The school contacted the parents immediately, and a charge was laid at SAPS by the victims’ parents.
"The school is cooperating with the police, and disciplinary processes have been instituted. The necessary psycho-social support has also been arranged.”
The Western Cape police spokesperson, Captain Frederick van Wyk, confirmed a case has been opened.
“Be advised that a sexual assault case was registered at Mitchells Plain SAPS for investigation. This case will be transferred to Mitchells Plain FCS for further investigation. The case docket will then be taken to the Senior Public Prosecutor for decision and further instruction,” van Wyk said.
robin.francke@iol.co.za
IOL