Provincial department dismisses claims of criminality in Weltevreden Park Primary School disco drama

Parents were in a mad panic after being asked to fetch their children from a disco held for learners at Weltevreden Park Primary School on October 28.

Honeydew police, private security and the Honeydew Community Police Forum (CPF) were called to the school after troubling accusations were made by a female learner. It was alleged that high school-aged boys had crashed the disco and had allegedly sexually assaulted female learners.

After investigations by the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE), which took all witness reports into account, they were able to dismiss the claims. “The event was stopped in the evening after an alleged rape incident was reported. However, this was false as reports confirmed that a boy learner allegedly touched a girl learner inappropriately while dancing with her,” said GDE spokesperson, Steve Mabona.

Honeydew CPF’s Victim Support assisted and the station’s spokesperson, Warrant Officer Dave Stanton, confirmed that no cases have been opened relating to the incident. Mabona elaborated, stating, “The girl learner insisted that this incident did not occur but her parents were advised to open a case. However, they did not do so as they concurred that the allegations were false. Parents were issued a letter to monitor their children closely and inform the school should they have any concerns”.

Additional rumours which required addressing by the GDE related to the discharging of a firearm. “We also dismiss allegations of a shooting incident. Our reports confirm that no guns were fired,” added Mabona. The school did not respond to questions but issued a letter to parents the following day explaining that immediate and urgent action was taken once the allegations were made. The school has arranged another meeting to be held on November 2 to alleviate parents’ concerns and to discuss the school’s response to the incident.