The Eastern Cape Department of Education has issued a notice to deregister the independent school Bergview College over the alleged rape of a young female learner.
The minor who was seven at the time was allegedly molested at the school in October 2024 and reported the incident to her mother who is a police officer. However, months later no one has been arrested or held accountable for violating the young girl.
BERGVIEW COLLEGE FACING DEREGISTRATION OVER ALLEGED RAPE
The Eastern Cape Department of Education said in a statement that one condition for the registration of independent schools is that they must provide a safe and secure schooling environment. However, the current investigation and handling of the matter by Bergview College has violated the conditions regarding the safety of learners.
“A rape case was opened in October 2024 and to this date, the matter has not yet made progress. The delays are attributed to the school management. The Department is concerned with the conduct of the school principal due to his apparent refusal to cooperate with the SAPS.
“The Department views this case in a serious light and has sought to take action in the interest of all learners at the school. Therefore, The Department has decided to withdraw Bergview College’s registration as a school in the province,” Eastern Cape Education spokesperson Vuyiseka Mboxela said.
On Friday, 28 March, the Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube said she had been made aware of the rape case involving a minor at Bergview College.
Gwarube said she has communicated with the Eastern Cape provincial Department of Education to get the facts of this case and what the province is doing about it and the MEC in the province Fundile Gade assured her that he is taking action and will keep her updated.
“I am also taking the matter up with Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu for him to ensure that the SAPS speeds up its investigation. I assure South Africans, that we are acting. I am thoroughly heartbroken by this. But the best we can do now is to ensure that justice is served for this little girl and her family,” Gwarube posted on X.
AFRIFORUM DENIES PROTECTING RAPE SUSPECT
Meanwhile, the AfriForum Private Prosecution Unit has refuted claims that it is protecting Bergview College school principal Jaco Pieterse.
The unit said Pieterse is not a suspect in the rape case involving a learner at the school, nor has the SAPS ever regarded him as a suspect that would justify their request for a buccal sample for DNA testing.
“Further, it is the unit’s understanding that Pieterse had no contact with the victim before the offence was committed, nor is there any evidence that the offence took place on school grounds. The Investigating Officer’s informal request that Pieterse provide a buccal sample was made at the behest of the victim’s mother. Therefore, it is patently untrue that Pieterse has not co-operated with the Police in their investigation.
“On the contrary, in a letter to the Matatiele Police Station Commander dated 17 February 2025, the AfriForum’s Private Prosecution Unit made it abundantly clear that Pieterse will “cooperate with the SAPS and consider any request within the scope of the Criminal Procedure Act”. To request a buccal sample from someone who is not a suspect, and without following procedure as per the applicable legislation, is an abuse of process….AfriForum’s Private Prosecution Unit challenges the SAPS to provide the evidence to support any suspicion that Pieterse is linked to the case,” the AfriForum Private Prosecution Unit said.
WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE BEST WAY FOR THE EASTERN DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION AND POLICE TO DEAL WITH THE ALLEGED RAPE OF CWECWE?
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