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The Eastern Cape Education Department has deployed a team of officials to investigate a rape incident at Attwell Madala Secondary School in Mthatha.
This after unrest erupted at the school last week where scores of pupils protested outside the Mthatha Magistrates Court for the release of the 18-year-old rape accused.
Eastern Cape Education spokesperson Malibongwe Mtima said the grade 12 pupil is alleged to have raped another grade 12 learner in May at a party.
The youth was released on R1000 bail on Friday and will be back in court on the 20th of October. Mtima said the Department would provide psychosocial support to both pupils
He has also urged the public to stop bullying the alleged victim. after social media posts celebrated the release on bail of the alleged rapist.
According to Mtima, it is alleged that the duo attended the same party in May.
He says the team of officials deployed on Monday will hear representations from both parties, visit the victim’s family and look into relocating the boy to another school.
Mtima said the Department stood by the victim, but added that should the allegations “prove false” the Department would also provide support to him accordingly.
