In Johannesburg, a young boy is accused of drugging seven of his schoolmates and leading them to a man who allegedly raped them at gunpoint. This disturbing incident has deeply affected South Africa, where the victims, aged between 10 and 13, were left severely traumatized. The alleged sexual assaults have shocked even experienced detectives in a country plagued by high crime rates, with 76 daily murders and 125 rapes of women.
The South African Police have confirmed the arrest of a 31-year-old man for rape, while the Gauteng Education Department disclosed that a 16-year-old student has been suspended. Education official Mr. Matome Chiloane described the events at Khomanani Primary School in Diepkloof, Soweto, on September 1 as “unspeakable.”
According to department spokesman Steve Mabona, initial reports suggest that a Grade 7 student stole a bottle of soda from a local store. The student allegedly drugged the soda and gave it to seven classmates before taking them to an adult who then raped them at gunpoint.
Mr. Mabona mentioned that the accused Grade 7 student has been suspended pending a disciplinary hearing on September 17. Both the Education Department and the Police have clarified that the teenager has not been arrested yet for his involvement in the crimes.
A police spokesperson stated that detectives specializing in family violence, child protection, and sexual offenses are investigating a case where seven boys, aged between 10 and 13, were allegedly raped by a 31-year-old man. The suspect was arrested on September 6 but has not yet appeared in court.
Psychosocial experts are providing support to the traumatized schoolboys, with the Teddy Bear Clinic offering assistance to the victims of sexual abuse. Education official Mr. Chiloane expressed sympathy for the affected students and families, emphasizing the importance of ensuring children’s safety both in and out of school.
Authorities have not provided details on why the 16-year-old boy has not been arrested, the specific timing of the alleged drugging, or the location where the assaults took place. However, they have confirmed that the seven boys reported being drugged and subsequently raped by an adult male who threatened them with a gun.
