An 18-year-old Montarena Secondary School learner accused of sexually assaulting a 13-year-old learner was granted R1 500 bail at the Chatsworth Magistrate’s Court last week.
The matter was adjourned to Thursday, 4 July, for further investigation and Captain Cheryl Pillay, communications officer for SAPS Chatsworth, said that the Chatsworth Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit arrested a learner on 18 April after a case of sexual assault was opened at the Chatsworth Police Station.
“It was alleged that a 13-year-old learner was assaulted at a secondary school in Montford. On 19 April, the accused appeared at the Chatsworth Magistrate’s Court where the accused was remanded to Westville Prison until the next appearance.
“On Monday, 22 April, Chatsworth Police responded to a gathering of learners outside of the school premises after a social media post was circulated. It was alleged that learners had sought clarity with the Department of Education and SAPS in respect of the arrest of the learner. A meeting was then held with the relevant stakeholders, resulting in the learners dispersing and returning to school,” Pillay said.
Last week, learners marched from the school to the court, protesting for the accused to receive bail and claiming that it was racism and that the learner was innocent.
The school’s principal was contacted for feedback and said that the matter was subjudice and was being handled by the law, and that she was unable to comment as they are allowing the law to take its course.
Vee Gani, chairperson of the Parent Association KwaZulu-Natal, said: “This is a criminal offence and the laws must apply. Although the learner is innocent until proven guilty, the parent did the correct thing by reporting the matter. It seems like other learners have already decided the verdict by going to court to support the accused.
“They should focus on school and let the process unfold where the court judicate. It saddens me that it is such a serious matter and it is like they have already sided with the accused. We should all band against gender-based violence and sexual harassment. If we do not remedy and allow learners to face consequences for their crimes, unfortunately, it will become a norm and happen more often.”
To report gender-based violence, call the Stop Gender Violence Helpline (available 24/7) on 080-015-0150. Alternatively, contact SAPS Chatsworth on 031-451-4267 or Crime Stop on 08600-10111 (toll-free).
