Parents and community members gathered outside an East London primary school this week, demanding accountability following an alleged sexual assault involving a nine-year-old girl and a 13-year-old boy.
The boy appeared in court on 10 February and was released into the custody of his parents. Police are investigating a rape case, and the matter is scheduled to return to court on 9 April.
Protesters — including the young girl’s mother — sang struggle songs and called for the removal of the school principal and the suspension of staff, accusing the school of mishandling the matter.
“We want justice for my child. We want the principal to leave because she is not acting in the right way regarding the case,” the mother said during the demonstration.
Community members expressed frustration over what they described as limited communication from the school and education authorities. One parent said: “As parents, we are tired because this case has been silent and nothing is happening.”
Eastern Cape Department of Education spokesperson Malibongwe Mtima confirmed that investigations are ongoing. He said the department’s immediate priority is ensuring the wellbeing of the nine-year-old learner.
“Investigations are under way, but our primary issue now is to ensure that the nine-year-old child is safe and receiving continuous trauma counselling debriefings to enable her to be reintegrated back into school,” Mtima said.
Officials indicated that plans are being considered to transfer the child to another school in an effort to protect her from potential bullying and further trauma.
Community activist Amanda Timms, who helped mobilise support for the protest, described previous attempts to engage school management as unproductive, prompting residents to take to the streets.
Authorities have not disclosed further details as the case remains before the courts.
