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Eastern Cape police said an 18-year-old man was taken in for questioning in connection with the rape of five learners from a school in the Bityi administrative area.
Police spokesperson, Lieutenant-Colonel Siphokazi Mawisa, said on Thursday that the investigation would determine whether he will be charged or released.
The Eastern Cape provincial departments of Education and Social Development are providing psycho-social services to the learners.
Bhisho said earlier that the women, aged between 20 and 25, had also opted to continue writing their exams after being taken to a place of safety.
“The Provincial Government will continue to monitor progress to all the affected individuals and provide ongoing support while ensuring a safe environment until they complete their final examinations and beyond.
“Furthermore, Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane has deployed Education MEC Fundile Gade to lead the visit to schools in the Mqhekezweni area tomorrow (Thurs) to assess the situation and provide support to victims and their families,” said spokesperson, Khuselwa Rantjie.
Meanwhile, a manhunt is underway for the two gunmen who murdered mama Nogcinile Mtirara, the mother-in-law to Chief Jongintaba Mtirara, in the Mqhekezweni Administrative area outside Mthatha this week.
SAPS said the provincial Serious and Violent Crimes unit is leading the team to ensure that the perpetrators are arrested.
