Mother of alleged sexually assaulted special school learner unable to make disciplinary

She could not attend the latest disciplinary hearing on June 14 due to her financial situation.

“I told them that I don’t have money for transport since they had earlier called to tell me that the department will not be paying my transport fees to the school,” she said.

The mother, who lives in Pienaar, said she could not afford transport costs for both herself and her son who had since been home with her from the day she learnt of his tragedy. “I am now confused, I don’t know what to do anymore,” she added.

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She last attended the previous disciplinary hearing at the school on June 3, however, nothing much happened and the matter was postponed to June 14. A hospital report from HA Grove Hospital showed that her son had been sexually assaulted.

“There are clinically definite signs of anal penetration (repeatedly). Kindly need assistant and cooperation of the police to attend to this matter,” reads a medical report from the hospital. Jasper Zwane, spokesperson for the Department of Education, said a social worker and psychologist were deployed to grant the necessary support to the affected learners and to render counselling services.

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“The school is on an ongoing basis interacting with parents of affected learners,” he said. Leonard Hlathi, spokesperson for the police in Mpumalanga, confirmed that a case of sexual assault was opened at Belfast Police Station. He added that the suspects, boys aged between 12 and 15, were currently waiting for the probation officers assessment as they were still minors.

“There is currently no arrest made. The probation officers will give recommendation based on their assessments results with regards to suspects,” he concluded.