Horrified by reports of the Rape of a Soweto Pupil
Tuesday 5 March 2019
Save the Children South Africa (SCSA) is horrified by reports of the rape of a Grade 8 pupil from Luminis Secondary School in Diepkloof, Soweto. It is alleged that the incident took place during a school induction camp in De Deur, Vaal last Friday.
We strongly condemn such behaviour, especially in places that are supposed to be safe spaces for our children. We applaud the brave young people who reported the case to the teachers. The Gauteng Department of Education is also commended for taking swift action in ensuring the victim gets necessary support. SCSA also welcomes the decision to suspend the boys and to provide them with support since they are still children.
“This is a dreadful situation when violence in the form of rape occurs against a child. It is even worse when it is perpetrated by other children, as it reflect how much we have failed as a society. Work needs to be done to support the victim to deal with this trauma. Work also needs to be done with the three boys to address underlying causes of their violent tendencies, so that such behaviour is not repeated,” SCSA’s Child Protection Programme Manager Divya Naidoo.
We understand that a case has been opened and we call on law enforcement agencies to act according to the Child Justice Act.
Sexual violence remains a major problem in our society. The crime stats that were issued by Police Minister Bheki Cele last September, show that 23 488 cases of sexual violence against children were reported between April 2017 and March 2018. SCSA calls for eradication of violence in our society. Children who are raised violently or experience violence in childhood, perpetrate violence.
ENDS
For more information or to set up interviews contact: Sibusiso Khasa on 073 449 6871 or [email protected]
About: Save the Children believes every child deserves a future. In South Africa and around the world, we give children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. We do whatever it takes for children – every day and in times of crisis – transforming their lives and the future we share.
Note to the Editor: If children are affected, we’ve got something to say. Our team of experts are available for comments, interviews and information.
Join us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/SavetheChildrenSouthAfrica
Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/SaveChildrenSA
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We strongly condemn such behaviour, especially in places that are supposed to be safe spaces for our children. We applaud the brave young people who reported the case to the teachers. The Gauteng Department of Education is also commended for taking swift action in ensuring the victim gets necessary support. SCSA also welcomes the decision to suspend the boys and to provide them with support since they are still children.
“This is a dreadful situation when violence in the form of rape occurs against a child. It is even worse when it is perpetrated by other children, as it reflect how much we have failed as a society. Work needs to be done to support the victim to deal with this trauma. Work also needs to be done with the three boys to address underlying causes of their violent tendencies, so that such behaviour is not repeated,” SCSA’s Child Protection Programme Manager Divya Naidoo.
We understand that a case has been opened and we call on law enforcement agencies to act according to the Child Justice Act.
Sexual violence remains a major problem in our society. The crime stats that were issued by Police Minister Bheki Cele last September, show that 23 488 cases of sexual violence against children were reported between April 2017 and March 2018. SCSA calls for eradication of violence in our society. Children who are raised violently or experience violence in childhood, perpetrate violence.
ENDS
For more information or to set up interviews contact: Sibusiso Khasa on 073 449 6871 or [email protected]
About: Save the Children believes every child deserves a future. In South Africa and around the world, we give children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. We do whatever it takes for children – every day and in times of crisis – transforming their lives and the future we share.
Note to the Editor: If children are affected, we’ve got something to say. Our team of experts are available for comments, interviews and information.
Join us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/SavetheChildrenSouthAfrica
Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/SaveChildrenSA
See the journey on Instragram: www.instagram.com/savethechildrensouthafrica