Alleged attempted sexual assault at Boksburg school involving pupils
Department spokesperson Onwabile Lubhelwana says a criminal case has been opened.
The Gauteng Education Department has expressed deep concern over an alleged attempted sexual assault incident at Villa Liza Secondary School in Boksburg, east of Johannesburg. According to the department, the alleged attack occurred on Thursday during the school's dismissal time. A Grade 8 female student reportedly sought refuge in the toilets, but two male learners allegedly followed her inside.
The boys reportedly restrained the girl and attempted to remove some of her clothing. The incident was thwarted when the school's general staff members were engaged in cleaning duties, causing the two boys to flee the scene.
Gauteng Education Department spokesperson Onwabile Lubhelwana confirmed that a criminal case has been initiated in response to the alleged assault. Department spokesperson Lubhelwana emphasized, "MEC Maile maintains that sexual violence has no place in our schools and that every learner deserves a safe and conducive environment for teaching and learning.
The department will provide the necessary psychosocial support to the affected learner." The incident has been widely reported by media outlets, with MEC Maile Maile stating her firm stance against sexual violence in schools.
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