{"id":28209,"date":"2025-09-10T11:52:22","date_gmt":"2025-09-10T09:52:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/?p=28209"},"modified":"2026-03-12T09:52:47","modified_gmt":"2026-03-12T07:52:47","slug":"khomani-primary-school-pupils-drugged-assaulted","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/khomani-primary-school-pupils-drugged-assaulted\/","title":{"rendered":"Soweto School Attack: 8 Pupils Drugged and Assaulted, MEC Responds"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>A shocking incident has unfolded at Khomani Primary School in Diepkloof, Soweto, where eight primary school pupils were allegedly drugged and sexually assaulted. The Gauteng Education MEC, Matome Chiloane, has condemned the attack and assured the affected learners and their families of the department\u2019s full support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><h2>Table of contents<\/h2><ul><li><a href=\"#details-of-the-incident\" data-level=\"2\">Details of the Incident<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#response-from-authorities\" data-level=\"2\">Response from Authorities<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#mecs-statement-and-assurance\" data-level=\"2\">MEC\u2019s Statement and Assurance<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#support-for-victims\" data-level=\"2\">Support for Victims<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-what-is-the-teddy-bear-clinic\" data-level=\"2\">What is the Teddy Bear Clinic?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#the-broader-context-and-call-to-action\" data-level=\"2\">The Broader Context and Call to Action<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#safety-and-wellbeing-in-schools\" data-level=\"2\">Safety and Wellbeing in Schools &amp; Community Support<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#available-helplines-and-resources\" data-level=\"2\">Available Helplines and Resources<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#looking-forward\" data-level=\"2\">Protecting Children<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"details-of-the-incident\">Details of the Incident<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>On 1 September 2025, a Grade 7 pupil at Khomani Primary School allegedly stole a bottle of cold drink from a local shop. The pupil reportedly drugged the drink before giving it to eight fellow pupils, who consumed it. The victims were then allegedly taken to an adult perpetrator and assaulted (raped) at gunpoint. The attack was <a href=\"https:\/\/www.citizen.co.za\/news\/south-africa\/education\/8-soweto-pupils-allegedly-drugged-and-assaulted\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">first reported<\/a> to the school on 8 September by one of the victims\u2019 parents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-2254841302\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"response-from-authorities\">Response from Authorities<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The police have arrested the adult perpetrator and are investigating the case. The school has suspended the Grade 7 pupil who allegedly orchestrated the incident, pending a disciplinary hearing scheduled for 17 September 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"mecs-statement-and-assurance\">MEC\u2019s Statement and Assurance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane expressed deep shock and strongly condemned the attack. He emphasised that such acts are unacceptable in any school and relayed heartfelt sympathy to the learners and their families. MEC Chiloane stressed the collective responsibility of parents, teachers, and communities to ensure the safety of children both inside and outside school premises.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cSuch an unspeakable act should never happen to any learner in Gauteng. We sympathise dearly with the affected learners and families, assuring them of our full support during this time. This incident is a reminder of the importance of our collective duty to ensure the safety of our children in and outside of school.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8221;We once again call on parents to play an active role in the lives of their learners, to instil values of respect and integrity that will form the foundation of the education we provide them with,\u201d <a href=\"https:\/\/iol.co.za\/the-star\/news\/2025-09-09-gauteng-education-mec-condemns-alleged-rape-of-eight-primary-school-learners-in-soweto\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">he said<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>MEC Chiloane reiterated the department\u2019s commitment to education and the wellbeing of all learners. The support teams will continue working alongside families affected by this tragic event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-351759077\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"support-for-victims\">Support for Victims<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Gauteng Department of Education has <a href=\"https:\/\/thestar.co.za\/news\/2025-09-09-gauteng-education-mec-condemns-alleged-rape-of-eight-primary-school-learners-in-soweto\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">deployed immediate<\/a> psychosocial support services to help affected pupils and their families. The Teddy Bear Clinic has also been involved to assess the children\u2019s wellbeing and any possible injuries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-is-the-teddy-bear-clinic\">What is the Teddy Bear Clinic?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/teddybearfoundation.org.za\/about-us\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Teddy Bear Clinic<\/a> for Abused Children is a well-established non-profit organisation in South Africa dedicated to helping abused children. Founded in 1986, it provides specialised medical examinations, counselling, and forensic assessments for children who have experienced abuse or neglect. The clinic offers holistic support, including therapeutic services to aid healing and prevent further harm. It also works closely with families and communities to educate and empower them about child protection. The Teddy Bear Clinic plays a crucial role in helping victims regain safety and stability, ensuring children receive compassionate care and justice during difficult times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-1491992784\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"the-broader-context-and-call-to-action\">The Broader Context and Call to Action<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This traumatic event serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for vigilance in protecting children from harm. MEC Chiloane called on parents to play an active role in their children\u2019s lives, fostering a foundation of respect and integrity. The department continues to provide support and encourages pupils to use available helplines and counselling services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"safety-and-wellbeing-in-schools\">Safety and Wellbeing in Schools &amp; Community Support<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The education department has intensified efforts to maintain safe learning environments. Following this incident, increased focus is placed on monitoring and preventive measures to safeguard learners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Community involvement is crucial in addressing the challenges faced by schools. By working together, parents, educators, and authorities can help create safer schools and prevent such incidents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-805940172\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"available-helplines-and-resources\">Available Helplines and Resources<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Childline, the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sadag.org\/index.php?option=com_content&amp;view=article&amp;id=1897&amp;Itemid=101\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">SADAG<\/a>), and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.gov.za\/Departments\/DepartmentDetails\/CPM-001004\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Gauteng Department of Education<\/a> helplines actively encourage learners and parents to seek counselling and support through their services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>ALSO READ:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/new-bond-to-fund-hiv-aids-research\/\">South Africa Adopts New Social Impact Bond to Fund HIV-Aids Research<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"looking-forward\">Protecting Children<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Gauteng Department of Education remains steadfast in prioritising the healing and safety of all learners in the province. While the investigation into the Soweto school attack continues&#8230; The department is committed to providing a nurturing and secure environment for every child. This commitment includes ongoing psychosocial support, preventive safety measures, and collaboration with parents, schools, and communities to protect learners from harm. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The tragic incident serves as a powerful reminder of the collective responsibility to safeguard the rights and wellbeing of children in schools across Gauteng. Ensuring that learners can study and grow free from fear is paramount to building a brighter future for all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><br><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Eight Soweto pupils were drugged and assaulted at Khomani Primary School. Gauteng MEC condemns the act and assures support for victims and their families.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":28214,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_focus_keyword":"","rank_math_title":"","rank_math_description":"Eight Soweto pupils were drugged and assaulted at Khomani Primary School. Gauteng MEC condemns the act and assures support for victims and their families.","footnotes":""},"categories":[47],"tags":[1823,2544,6876,2407,2410,1715],"class_list":{"0":"post-28209","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-news","8":"tag-assault-on-pupils","9":"tag-child-abuse","10":"tag-child-protection","11":"tag-gauteng-education-mec","12":"tag-mec-matome-chiloane","13":"tag-violence"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28209","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/15"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=28209"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28209\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":28238,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/28209\/revisions\/28238"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/28214"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=28209"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=28209"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=28209"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}