The Gauteng Education Department has launched an investigation into allegations that a nine-year-old learner was raped by a teacher at Busisiwe Primary School in Zola, Soweto. The alleged incident reportedly occurred on the school’s premises.
According to the learner’s aunt, the child began refusing to attend school and crying each morning from 8 October 2026. The following day, on 9 October, the child disclosed the alleged rape. The learner has not returned to school since. Meanwhile, parents and community members held a protest outside the school on 20 October, demanding answers and the removal of the teacher involved.
The Gauteng Education MEC, Lebogang Maile, said during a media briefing that officials had been dispatched to investigate the matter. “I will be receiving that report tonight, after which we will make a determination. This is a sensitive matter, and it has to be dealt with the sensitivity that it deserves, and we are definitely on the side of the learner or the victim, because we can’t take this matter for granted,” Maile said.
Jabulani police station commander Brigadier Lefa Tsotetsi confirmed that a case had been opened in relation to the allegation but declined to provide further details due to the sensitivity of the matter involving a minor.
Community members voiced their frustration over the perceived slow response. Reports indicate that while the learner remains absent from school, the teacher continues attending classes; however, this claim remains unconfirmed by official sources.
This incident follows a pattern of cautionary actions by the Gauteng Department of Education. A media statement from February 2025 confirmed the removal of an educator from a Soweto school over similar rape allegations, reflecting a precedent for immediate precautionary measures in such cases.
The department’s prompt response underscores the significance of protecting learners and addressing allegations with urgency. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities expected to release further information following the receipt of the investigative report.