In Johannesburg, a disturbing incident has shaken South Africa as a young boy allegedly drugged and led seven of his schoolmates to a man who reportedly raped them at gunpoint. The victims, aged between 10 and 13, were left deeply traumatized by the alleged sex attacks, which even shocked seasoned detectives in a country plagued by high levels of crime.
Authorities in South Africa have confirmed the arrest of a 31-year-old man for rape in connection with the case. Additionally, the Gauteng Education Department disclosed that a 16-year-old student from Khomanani Primary School in Diepkloof, Soweto, has been suspended over the incident, which Education chief Mr. Matome Chiloane described as “unspeakable.”
According to Dept spokesman Steve Mabona, initial reports suggest that a Grade 7 student orchestrated the events by drugging a stolen bottle of cold drink and giving it to seven classmates before taking them to the alleged perpetrator. The adult suspect has been apprehended following a parent’s report, with ongoing police investigations.
The accused Grade 7 student has been suspended pending a disciplinary hearing scheduled for September 17. Both the Education Department and the police clarified that the teenager has not been arrested for his involvement in the alleged crimes.
Authorities revealed that a 31-year-old man was arrested for allegedly raping seven boys, aged between 10 and 13, but has not yet faced court proceedings. The suspect was released from custody for further investigations in consultation with police forensic social workers.
Psychosocial experts are assisting the traumatized schoolboys, with the Teddy Bear Clinic providing support to the victims of sexual abuse. Mr. Chiloane emphasized the importance of safeguarding children both in and out of school, expressing sympathy for the affected students and families.
Questions remain unanswered regarding the 16-year-old boy’s lack of arrest and specifics about the drugging and assault incidents. However, authorities confirmed the boys’ allegations of being drugged and sexually assaulted by an adult male at gunpoint.