A 59-year-old school principal was arrested on Friday in Tabankulu, Eastern Cape, in connection with an alleged rape of a 21-year-old matric pupil. The incident allegedly took place in the principal’s office on Thursday.
According to Brigadier Tembinkosi Kinana, the police spokesperson, South African Police Service (SAPS) members made a swift move on Friday 10 June and arrested the 59-year-old suspect believed to be principal of the school. The arrest came after an outcry from leaners, community members and other stakeholder after it became apparent that a matric learner was allegedly raped by an elder in the school, said Kinana.
Two more pupils were allegedly raped in the Eastern Cape, bringing the total number of girls who were sexually violated since Friday night, to at least five. Eastern Cape SAPS said the school principal is expected to make an appearance in court on Monday 13 June 2022, to face a charge of rape. The rape allegedly occurred in different occasions and is now being probed by the SAPS FCS unit.
“According to the report the incident occurred on different occasions but was not immediately reported to the SAPS until school children protested against the school authorities. The circumstances surrounding the incident are currently under investigation by the FSC unit. A case of rape was registered and in less than 24 hours of the report, the police arrested the suspect,” Kinana added.
Police urged anyone with information that can assist in the investigation to contact Tabankulu police or call Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
Source: The South African, ALGOA FM, News24, Sowetan Live