Two learners allegedly attempted to sexually assault a Grade 8 girl at Villa Liza Secondary School in Boksburg, east of Johannesburg, on 20 August 2026, according to a report by SABC News citing the Gauteng Department of Education. The department said a criminal case has been opened and psychosocial support would be provided to the affected learner.
The alleged incident occurred during dismissal time when the girl went to the school toilets. Two pupils allegedly followed her into the toilets, restrained her, and attempted to remove some of her clothing before general staff cleaning the area interrupted the attack, causing the boys to flee.
Gauteng Education MEC Lebogang Maile said he was deeply disturbed by the allegation. Department spokesperson Onwabile Lubhelwana, quoted by SABC News on 24 August 2026, said: “MEC Maile maintains that sexual violence has no place in our schools and that every learner deserves a safe and conducive environment for teaching and learning. The department will provide the necessary psychosocial support to the affected learner.”
IOL independently reported the same basic details, confirming that two Gauteng learners were accused of trying to sexually assault a Grade 8 girl at Villa Liza Secondary School. The Gauteng provincial government’s media-statement listing confirms the department publishes education-related statements, though the Cape Flats desk could not directly access the full statement.
The case adds to mounting public concern over learner safety in Gauteng schools, where several incidents of violence and sexual misconduct involving pupils have been reported in recent years. The Gauteng Education Department has previously faced pressure to strengthen safeguarding measures, including supervision during high-risk periods such as dismissal times.
The exact identities and ages of the two accused learners have not been independently verified, and the precise criminal charges remain unconfirmed beyond the department’s statement that a case was opened. Cape Flats was not at the scene and is relying on SABC News and IOL reporting, which we are treating as a single-sourced allegation until confirmed by police or court records.
What remains unknown is the current status of the police investigation and whether the two learners have been formally charged. This story will be updated if SAPS Boksburg or the National Prosecuting Authority confirms further details; the Cape Flats desk will check again on 26 August 2026.