6-year-old boy forced to rape another boy (6)
Gauteng Department of Education is reeling in shock following reports of sexual assault between pupils who are under the age of 10 years at Bramley Primary School.
UPDATE: 17 July 2014, 2:30pm – A case of rape has been opened at the Bramley police station and a police investigation is underway.
Initial report: The Gauteng Department of Education is reeling in shock following reports of sexual misconduct between pupils under the age of 10 at Bramley Primary School.
According to the reports, which the department have confirmed, a teacher summoned a mother of one of the pupils to the school. Upon arrival, the vice-principal told her that one of the prefects allegedly saw her son stroking another boy’s buttocks.
When called to the office, the pupil in question admitted to the incident and also confessed to raping the boy. He said he was forced by another pupil to commit the act.
He allegedly also told the deputy and his mother that he was scared to tell his mother as this was not the first time such an incident had taken place.
The department’s spokesperson, Phumla Sekhonyane confirmed that there was a case of abuse at the school. She said it was reported to the police and the pupils involved were taken for a medical examination. Sekhonyane said, “They [the pupils involved] will all receive counselling. We are shocked by this incident, especially because it involves very young children and we have asked our district to ensure that psycho-social services are provided to both the learners and parents.”
Meanwhile, Childline Gauteng spokesperson Lynne Cawood said children who abuse other children have often experienced sexual abuse themselves.
Cawood said, “Exposure to sexual behaviour and the media’s focus on sexuality can stimulate this behaviour. Children are sexual beings and they will act out what they experience or witness… Children under the age of 10 do not have criminal capacity.”
She said her organisation offered primary school awareness and prevention programmes where discussions about respect and children’s rights were undertaken. Furthermore, she advised that The Teddy Bear Clinic offered a programme for young sexual offenders.
She commended the action taken by the department. “This is the best way to deal with the situation,” she said. “This will help the school, children and their families to understand the children involved and to help them to engage in positive behaviour.”
Details: Childline, 24/7 toll free helpline number 080 005 5555. www.bramleyprimary.co.za
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