David Macgregor
THERE may be medical evidence to prove that two young Grahamstown schoolchildren were repeatedly raped, but just who did it is proving to be a mystery.
Police arrested a teacher and a caretaker at a Grahamstown school over the past few months, but they were later released – much to the dismay of the parents of the six-year-old boy and his seven- year-old sister.
Emotions have been running high ever since claims were made several months ago that both children were pulled into school toilets on separate occasions and allegedly raped.
A teacher at the school was initially arrested in connection with the rapes but was later released and suspended by the Education Department.
The caretaker was arrested weeks later shortly after the boy was allegedly raped in the school toilets – even though he no longer attended classes there. It was claimed he dragged the boy out of a car parked outside the gate. He was later released after a brief court appearance and after submitting DNA samples.
The boy was physically injured during the attack and had to be treated in hospital.
Claims this week by the father of the children that police and school staff were not giving the case enough specialised attention were denied.
Police spokeswoman Brigadier Marinda Mills said: "Crimes against woman and children are a police priority and sexual offences committed against this vulnerable group are investigated by our specialised units.”
She said all possible role players – including the departments of Education and Social Development, and the National Prosecuting Authority – were working together to assist the children and the family.
