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A poster is seen at a candlelight vigil against rape.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Mpumalanga has raised concerns over an increase in rape cases reported in schools.
The party claims at least five learners were raped in different schools in the province between July and November this year.
DA Member of the Provincial Legislature, Teboho Sekaledi, has called on the provincial government to urgently deal with this matter.
“According to a recent crime stats report which focuses on the period July to September 2024, at least five learners were raped in Mpumalanga schools in that period. This is a concerning increase from the two cases of rape in schools which were recorded from April to June 2024.”
Sekaledi adds: “The DA calls on the Mpumalanga provincial government, especially both the Department of Education and Community Safety, Security and Liaison, to urgently deal with this matter as girls continue to be raped, sexually abused, sexually harassed and assaulted at school by male classmates and teachers. It cannot be acceptable that for girls in Mpumalanga schools, violence and abuse is an inevitable part of their school environment.”
Crime statistics for July to September 2024:
