Pretoria - Two school boys, who allegedly drugged and gang raped a school girl inside a Johannesburg high school premises, have been arrested.
This follows an incident last Thursday, where three boys allegedly drugged two girls and gang raped one of them, while filming it on their cellphones.
Addressing the media on Monday, an outraged Gauteng MEC for Education Barbara Creecy said the department is working closely with the SA Police Service to ensure that this case receives priority attention and the alleged perpetrators are charged and arrested.
"We want to send a strong message to those involved in acts of sexual aggression that they have absolutely no place in our education system, they should have no illusions that we will not deal with them with all the means at our disposal," Creecy said.
The police have established an operation centre at the school, where witnesses are being interviewed.
In assisting the victims to cope with their ordeal, the department is providing support and counselling to the victims and their families to address their physical and emotional well-being.
"We are seeking advice from experts in the field including Tshwaranang, Ithemba Rape Crisis Centre, Teddy Bear Clinic and Sonke Gender Justice.
"The Department of Social Development's Provincial Victim Empowerment coordinator and the department's Inclusion and Support Services team are at the school," said Creecy.
The learners are currently writing their year-end examinations at the school, but Creecy said the department has agreed with the school to postpone examinations for the victims, while reviewing promotional requirements of the victims based on their psychological progress.
The department is currently engaging the services of an external independent investigator to produce a report on what disciplinary action needs to be taken if any against learners, educators and school management.
Creecy also described talks blaming the victims as irresponsible, inappropriate and unfounded. "They have no place in a society committed to promoting gender equality."
