21 Feb 2022

Nine suspects are in custody to help police with investigations about an incident in which three female pupils of Maunatlala JSS were raped over the weekend.

Officer Commanding District No2, Senior Superintendent Paul Oketsang, said in an interview that the matter was reported to Maunatlala police Saturday morning.

He said the suspects allegedly sneaked into the school and headed to the girls dormitory where they demanded that pupils open the door threatening to burn down the dormitory if they refused to open.

He said the pupils allegedly obliged out of fear resulting in three girls being raped.

Snr Supt Oketsang said investigations were still at an infant stage, therefore he appealed to the public to avoid posting allegations on social media.

Social media had alleged that the school head  informed the community that the pupils were attacked by a bunch of thugs and some of the girls were molested, some sexually violated while others were physically assaulted..

However the school head declined to comment on the issue referring the matter to the Central region education office.

The area councilor, Ms Salome Lesole alleged that the suspects were former Maunatlala JSS pupils.

She said the village leadership had decided to enhance security at the school by engaging four private security officers.

She said the leadership of Maunatlala, Mokokwana, Mosweu and Seolwane villages should come together to map a way forward in terms of reinforcing security at the school.

Ms Lesole further explained that bush clearing should be done at the school, adding that thorny bushes posed a serious threat to both teachers and learners.

She also added that the school fence had been vandalised giving criminals easier access into the school, hence the need to replace it. BOPA