Question NW2857 to the Minister of Police
12 October 2017 - NW2857
Boshoff, Ms SH to ask the Minister of Police
(a) How many teachers from Bothitong High School (i) have had complaints of rape and/or sexual assault laid against them with the SA Police Service (SAPS) and (ii) on what date was the complaint laid in each case, (b) what progress has been made in each of these cases and (c) what is the SAPS doing to ensure that these victims, as well as other learners at the school that may have been victimised, are not intimidated into silence?
Reply:
(a)(i) Two teachers from the Bothitong High School have had complaints of rape/or sexual assault laid against them, with the South African Police Service (SAPS).
(a)(ii) Bothitong CAS 35/08/2017 - Sexual Assault: reported to the SAPS on 2017-08-22.
Bothitong CAS 1/09/2017 - Attempted Rape: reported to the SAPS on 2017-09-01.
b) Bothitong CAS 35/08/2017 - Sexual Assault.
- The suspect in question was arrested on 2017-09-01.
- The bail hearing was held on 2017-09-04, but was postponed to 2017-09-05, when bail was granted. According to the bail conditions, the suspect must report to the Bothitong Police Station twice a day, three times a week. The suspect must not make contact or interfere with the victim or any of the witnesses.
- The court case has been postponed to 2017-10-24.
- The teacher has been suspended.
Bothitong CAS 1/09/2017 - Attempted Rape.
- The suspect in question was arrested on 2017-09-01.
- The bail hearing was held on 2017-09-04, but was postponed to 2017-09-08 when bail was granted. According to the bail conditions, the suspect must report to the Bothitong Police Station twice a day, three times a week. The suspect must not make contact or interfere with the victim or any of the witnesses.
- The court case has been postponed to 2017-10-24.
- The suspect has been suspended.
(c) An awareness campaign was conducted at the school and was escalated to the surrounding schools, where leaners were told about their rights and where cases should be reported to. The awareness campaign has resulted in additional cases being reported, which are under investigation. The awareness campaign focused on informing learners of their rights and of the bail conditions that are applicable to the suspects.