Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane has condemned in the strongest terms a horrifying incident in which eight male learners from Khomani Primary School in Diepkloof, Soweto, were allegedly raped.
Gauteng Department of Education spokesperson Steve Mabona said the incident happened on September 1 after a fellow Grade 7 learner from the school allegedly drugged the eight learners and an adult raped them.
“Preliminary reports indicate that the instigating Grade 7 boy learner allegedly stole a bottle of cold drink at a local shop, which was reported by the shopkeeper. It is then alleged that the learner drugged this drink and gave it to the eight boy learners to consume.”
Mabona further said that the school has also suspended the Grade 7 boy learner who allegedly orchestrated the incident.
“A disciplinary hearing against the learner is scheduled to sit on Wednesday, 17 September 2025. This incident was first reported to the school on Monday, 8 September 2025, by one of the victims’ parents,” he added.
The adult perpetrator has since been arrested, and police are investigating further details around this incident.
Mabona added that the Department has quickly mobilised psychosocial support for the affected learners and their families, while the Teddy Bear Clinic has been brought in to evaluate the children’s overall well-being and assess any possible injuries.
Chiloane expressed shock over the incident, condemning it as unacceptable and extending his deepest sympathies to the affected learners and their families.
“Such an unspeakable act should never happen to any learner in Gauteng. We sympathise dearly with the affected learners and families, assuring them of our full support during this time. This incident is a reminder of the importance of our collective duty to ensure the safety of our children in and outside of school.
''We once again call on parents to play an active role in the lives of their learners, to instil values of respect and integrity that will form the foundation of the education we provide them with,” he said.
The Star