LIMPOPO – A Gr 12 learner of Phophi Secondary School was arrested for statutory rape after information surfaced that he was in a sexual relationship with a 13-year-old learner who attends the same school.
The learner appeared in court on August 23. The girl lived with her grandmother, who reported the matter to social workers after her granddaughter seemingly attempted to end her own life due to relationship issues. The grandmother was advised to open a case, as the girl is still a minor.
The grandmother was informed by Mutale police that the girl’s parents had to be engaged on the matter before a case could be opened, which was subsequently done and the suspect was arrested on August 22.
The Department of Education has directed the Vhembe East Regional Director to investigate the matter. Education spokesperson, Tidimalo Chuene found the allegations disturbing and said the investigation will be guided by internal procedure.
Limpopo police spokesperson, Brig Motlafela Mojapelo confirmed the arrest of a 19-year-old learner and said the case was opened in Gauteng. According to Mojapelo, in the South African law, a 13-year-old is a minor who cannot engage in a sexual relationship. He added that the girl’s parents have removed her from the school after the girl tried to commit suicide twice.
The mother of the girl explained that the girl was staying with her grandmother in Tshamulungwi village, as she and her husband are both working in Gauteng. The child is now in Gr 8 in a school in Johannesburg.
The case was postponed to October 12 and the suspect remains in custody.
