Mpumalanga lawmakers have thrown their weight behind growing public outrage after revelations that a teacher allegedly dismissed and silenced an eight-year-old girl who reported being raped during a school trip.
The incident, which occurred on May 8 during a choir competition at Platorand Special School near Belfast, involved pupils from Mpilonhle Primary School in Dullstroom.
According to police, a 15-year-old boy has been identified as a suspect, arrested and released into parental custody pending further legal decisions.
During a sitting in Mbombela on Friday, MK Party member in the provincial legislature, Moses Ndimande, called for accountability.
“Recently, an eight-year-old girl was allegedly raped and harassed by a group of boys in the school bathroom,” he told fellow legislators.
“What is even more concerning is the conduct of the teacher who failed to believe the learner when she reported the incident. The teacher accused the child of lying and instructed her never to mention this to anyone.”
Ndimande condemned the teacher’s conduct, describing it as a betrayal of duty and a
failure to provide a supportive environment for pupils.
“We also call for an investigation into the teacher who failed the learner. There must be appropriate disciplinary action taken,” he said.
The legislature unanimously adopted the motion, signalling that the matter would not be buried under bureaucracy.
The incident triggered widespread unrest in Dullstroom, prompting a heavy police
presence for over a week.
Mpumalanga police spokesperson Lt-Col Jabu Ndubane confirmed that the suspect was processed in line with legal provisions for minors and that the docket is with the senior public prosecutor.
Dullstroom community leader Musa Skhosana said while teaching has resumed, the call for justice continues to echo through the community.
“This is not the kind of incident you simply move on from. This has brought forth a lot of issues, safety at schools, sexual education, and accountability of teachers,” said Skhosana.
“If not dealt with, then every parent will be forced to physically guard their children in and outside school premises, which is not practical. We will not rest until the teacher accounts.”
Education MEC Cathy Dlamini has also expressed outrage at the incident and committed the department to a thorough internal investigation.
“The department condemns in the strongest possible terms any form of harassment, including sexual assault, and will take appropriate action to send a clear message that such conduct cannot be tolerated.”
Dlamini further acknowledged the swift intervention by police and urged all members of school communities to remain vigilant.
“We urge parents, school communities and teachers not to hesitate to report any such incidents to the relevant authorities,” she said.
She confirmed that psychosocial support has been extended to the pupil and her family, and pledged continued departmental involvement.
“Our shared responsibility is to protect our learners and foster a safe, respectful learning environment for all,” Dlamini said.
The incident had led to a temporary shutdown at Mpilonhle Primary School as the local community rallied in solidarity with the young girl and her family. Lessons resumed two days later, following engagement between the education department and community stakeholders.
