Community demands answers as police make no arrests in Atlantis primary school rape case

Police have confirmed an arrest has yet to be made in the rape of a seven-year-old girl which is believed to have taken place inside a toilet at an Atlantis primary school.

The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) said CCTV footage was being viewed and that it occurred on school property was being probed. Police confirmed that a case of rape was registered on November 13, 2023.

The SAPS said it was reported that a seven-year-old girl was allegedly raped at a school in Atlantis. This week, police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg confirmed there was no development in the case.

"In response to your media enquiry kindly be advised that the matter you are referring to is still under investigation. There are no new developments to report at this stage," he said.

Vanessa Le Roux, founder of Parents for Equal Education, said it was disturbing that weeks later, there were no arrests.

"It is shocking that there are no arrests, surely if they found out this child has been raped, somewhere someone is not saying something," she added.

"The fact that they did not arrest someone for the rape of a seven-year-old child, and it has been weeks later." "This incident could have happened at school or at home."

Earlier, Bronagh Hammond, spokesperson of the WCED, said while they were made aware of the incident, much clarity was to be determined on who the perpetrator was and that the child was receiving counselling. "The allegations were brought to the attention of the school on Thursday. The school then informed the district on Friday and the learner is currently receiving support from the district, DSD and a local NGO.

"The allegations have been reported to SAPS, who are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. SAPS was present at the school on Friday and today to conduct an investigation. Security footage was observed.

The identity or age of the alleged perpetrator has not been confirmed. It is also not yet clear if the incident involves someone at the school or if it indeed happened at the school.

"We await more information from SAPS. While we understand the community's anger regarding the allegations, we appeal to the community to refrain from disrupting schooling or spreading rumours until the facts have been established. There are many allegations circulating and until SAPS releases more concrete information we cannot comment on the case. Additional security has been arranged for the school."

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