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Parents protest at Naturena Primary over alleged pupil sexual assaults

Published

The Department of Education confirmed that one case of sexual assault at the school south of Johannesburg is under investigation. Parents who gathered on Monday say more pupils were attacked, and police stood by at the school.

Parents say the assaults have happened since the second term. They allege a group of male Grade 7 pupils targeted younger schoolmates on the school premises. They say the latest incident happened on Friday.

Department spokesperson Onwabile Lubhelwana said: "It's alleged there are more, and we asked the school for a record of other cases, but the principal says we don't have reporting of such cases."

Parents also say they reported the matter before and nobody acted. The father of the child who was allegedly assaulted said the pupils accused have not been suspended. Protesters want the principal and the school governing body removed.

Police have yet to confirm whether formal cases have been opened.

Key facts

Who
Onwabile Lubhelwana (Department of Education spokesperson (as described by the article's…); South African Police Service (police, yet to confirm whether formal cases have been opened); Naturena Primary School (school where the alleged incidents occurred); Naturna Primary School (school where the alleged incidents occurred and where parents protested)
What
A group of parents gathered at Naturena Primary School, south of Johannesburg, protesting alleged sexual assaults by pupils against younger schoolmates. The department of education confirmed one case of sexual assault is being investigated, and the department says it is still investigating the matter.
When
26 October 2026
Where
Naturena Primary School, Naturena, Johannesburg
Status
Reported

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