By Celani Sikhakhane
The police and officials from the Department of Education in KwaZulu-Natal have launched an investigation into a school security guard accused of sexually abusing school girls.
He allegedly buys booze for the girls before taking advantage of them.
Angry learners at Klwana Combine School in northern KZN took to the streets last Friday demanding action against the school security guard accused of on-site sexual assault.
Dubbed “uMalume” (uncle) by students, the security guard is said to have lured learners from Klwaza and a neighbouring school. He allegedly plied them with alcohol before attempting to sexually assault some of them.
In one account, a female learner told Scrolla.Africa that she had to fend off the guard’s advances, only to be denied safety by a guardian known as Gogo Ngobese.
“It’s been a while that uMalume has been doing this to our fellow learners. He also invites kids from Scelimfundo High School. He gives them alcohol and forcefully sleeps with them,” the learner said.
“In the last incident he took our classmate who was out to fetch water. He put her on the grass and tried to force himself on her. When our friend fought back, he beat her on the head.”
The school’s principal, referred to as “Dludla” in reports, declined to provide a personal statement, deferring to the Department of Education.
Meanwhile, Dokotela Ntombela, the chairperson of the school’s governing body, referred to the allegations as “hearsay”.
Department of Education spokesperson for KZN, Muzi Mahlambi, voiced concern and pledged a thorough investigation.
“We will conduct our own investigation on the matter because it is very disturbing that kids find themselves in this problematic situation at the hands of those who are looking after their safety,” said Mahlambi.
While the security guard has reportedly been taken into custody by Babanango police, it remains unclear if formal charges have been pressed.
Pictured above: Klwana Combine School learners staging a protest against the alleged misconduct of their security guard.
Image Source: Supplied.
