Polokwane learner (17) charged with rape and sexual assault
A Grade 11 foreign national is accused of molesting a Grade R learner and sexually assaulting another.
A 17-year-old Grade 11 learner from Polokwane appeared in the Polokwane Children’s Court on Monday and Tuesday on charges of rape and sexual assault, for two separate incidents.
According to police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, the teenager is a learner at a school in Dalmada and is accused of raping a Grade R learner (6) on August 7 while waiting in a teacher’s vehicle. The teacher transported them home.
He is also accused of asking another Grade R learner (6) to touch his genitals.
“Both victims reported the matter to their parents, who later reported it to the school. Both cases were opened [last Friday] and the accused was arrested on [Saturday] after he was handed [over] by his adoptive mother. He was detained at the Polokwane Juvenile Centre until his first appearance,” says Ledwaba.
Preliminary investigations also revealed that the boy’s adoptive mother is a teacher at the school.
The suspect is due to again appear in court on September 10.
Provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe calls on teachers and parents to immediately report abuse to the police.
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