A horrific crime at a Soweto primary school has left eight young boys traumatized after they were drugged and sexually assaulted at gunpoint.
The attack has devastated the local community and prompted urgent action from authorities.
The nightmare began when a Grade 7 student at Khomani Primary School allegedly stole a cold drink from a nearby shop and spiked it with drugs.
He then gave the tainted drink to eight other boys. Once the children had consumed it, they were taken to an adult who sexually assaulted them while threatening them with a gun.
Steve Mabona from the Gauteng education department said early investigations point to this being a planned attack involving both the older student and the adult perpetrator.
The adult suspect is now behind bars, while the Grade 7 student who allegedly set up the attack has been suspended from school. A disciplinary hearing for the student is scheduled for September 17.
Gauteng education MEC Matome Chiloane called it an “unspeakable act” and said no child should ever have to go through something so terrible.
The education department has brought in counselors and psychologists to help the victims and their families cope with the trauma.
The Teddy Bear Clinic, which specializes in helping child victims of abuse, is also providing support.
The attack has shaken the Soweto community, with residents demanding justice for the young victims.
Police are still investigating to piece together exactly how this horrific plan was carried out and whether anyone else was involved.
