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Eagle’s Nest reassure parents after alleged sexual assault incident

A Gr 11 learner is accused of molesting a Gr R learner and sexually assaulting another in separate incidents at Eagle's Nest Christian School.

POLOKWANE – Eagle’s Nest Christian School has reassured parents of its commitment to safety following the revelations of sexual assault allegations against a Gr 11 learner last week, involving two six-year-old victims.

The school’s executive director, JN van den Berg, said that despite the distressing nature of the incidents, the school remains a safe environment for learners.

“We take the safety and well-being of our learners and staff very seriously at Eagle’s Nest Christian School,” he stated. He outlined the extensive security measures in place, including cameras in classrooms, hallways, and play areas, along with staff supervision during break times, lunch, and after school to prevent any further incidents. As a family-oriented school, we are shocked by this individual’s actions, but our priority is to support any affected children and their families,” he added.

The incidents, which reportedly occurred last month, were brought to light after one of the alleged assaults took place on August 7.

According to police, the Gr 11 learner engaged in inappropriate behaviour with a six-year-old while waiting in a teacher’s vehicle for a ride home. A second, separate incident apparently involved coercing a minor into performing lewd acts.

Read more: Polokwane learner (17) arrested on rape and sexual assault charges

The police have confirmed that the accused was arrested on August 23 after the two young victims reported the incidents to their parents.

The school has confirmed that the learner was immediately removed from the premises following the allegations.

“We are cooperating fully with the Department of Education and police, ensuring that all necessary actions are taken to resolve the matter,” Van den Berg assured.

While further investigations continue, the accused has already made two court appearances and is due to appear again before the juvenile court on Tuesday.

Eagle’s Nest has reiterated its dedication to providing a secure learning environment, with Van den Berg stressing that the school remains committed to transparency and accountability throughout the ongoing investigation.

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Raeesa Sempe

Raeesa Sempe is a Caxton Award-winning Digital Editor with nine years’ experience in the industry. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Media Studies from the University of the Witwatersrand and started her journey as a community journalist for the Polokwane Review in 2015. She then became the online journalist for the Review in 2016 where she excelled in solidifying the Review’s digital footprint through Facebook lives, content creation and marketing campaigns. Raeesa then moved on to become the News Editor of the Bonus Review in 2019 and scooped up the Editorial Employee of the Year award in the same year. She is the current Digital Editor of the Polokwane Review-Observer, a position she takes pride in. Raeesa is married with one child and enjoys spending time with friends, listening to music and baking – when she has the time. “I still believe that if your aim is to change the world, journalism is a more immediate short-term weapon. – Tom Stoppard

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