By Anita Dangazele
- School principal refused DNA test after Grade 1 learner was raped, bringing lawyers to block police investigation.
- Education Department closed the school after it kicked out the rape victim and told parents to find another school.
The Eastern Cape Department of Education has closed down Bergview College in Matatiele after the school principal refused to work with police following the rape of a Grade 1 learner on school grounds.
The incident happened on 14 October last year. The seven-year-old victim was allegedly called by the school caretaker while waiting for transport. She was told to sweep a classroom at the far end of the block.
Family spokesperson Nomvula Qola said a doctor confirmed the rape and the child was taken to the Thuthuzela Care Centre for rape victims.
Qola said a meeting that was meant to happen between the family, the school and the education department in December never took place. This was because the school principal took leave to attend a wedding in Cape Town.
The mother said the principal told her not to talk about the incident because it would damage the school’s image.
In January, the community held a protest march to demand justice.
Qola said police wanted to collect DNA samples from every man who had contact with the girl that day. The child’s father, the caretaker and the driver all gave their samples. But the principal refused.
“The school principal, instead of presenting himself for testing so he could be ruled out, he brought AfriForum lawyers who said his rights were being violated and that he cannot be forced to take a DNA test,” she said.
Things got worse when the school gave the child a transfer letter and told the parents to find another school.
Eastern Cape Education MEC Fundile Gade’s spokesperson Vuyiseka Mboxela said the department decided to close the school because it failed to provide a safe environment for the learners.
“One of the conditions for the registration of independent schools is that they must provide a safe and secure schooling environment. The rape case involving a seven-year-old learner at the school and the current investigation and the handling of the matter by Bergview College has violated the conditions regarding the safety of learners.
“A rape case was opened in October 2024 and to this date the matter has not yet made progress. The delays are attributed to the school management. The department is concerned with the conduct of the school principal in relation to his apparent refusal to cooperate with the South African Police Service (SAPS),” Mboxela said.
She said department officials visited the school on Friday morning to deliver the letter, adding that it was received and signed by school representatives.
She said the decision becomes effective within 24 hours.
Mboxela said the next step was for the department to begin placing the learners in other schools around the area.
Pictured above: Bergview College banner.
Image source: Bergview College Facebook
