Neelam Rahim |neelam@radioislam.co.za
3-minute read
02 April 2025 | 16:58 CAT

Picture: iStock

The brutal rape of a seven-year-old girl at Bergdorf College in the Eastern Cape has ignited widespread anger as her perpetrator remains at large months after the incident. Calls for justice have intensified as reports emerge that the school principal has refused to cooperate with law enforcement, declining to provide a DNA sample while insisting he is not a suspect.

The Education and Allied Workers Union of South Africa has strongly condemned the handling of the case and is demanding harsher consequences for individuals who obstruct justice in sexual abuse cases.

Speaking on Radio Islam International’s afternoon drive show, community activist Simpiwe Mpungose expressed deep frustration over the situation. “We are very much angered, even with the way the case is going through. It makes us as parents, as teachers, very angry. This is a very unfortunate situation that we are saying even the principal should be charged for non-cooperation.”

The incident has reignited the debate over school safety, with strong calls for increased law enforcement presence in learning institutions.

“We can’t protect criminals. In society, we have a lot of crime, and for crimes to happen inside schools is very unfortunate,” Mpungose stated. “We are calling for two SAPS police personnel in every school to prevent such incidents.”

Many argue that having police stationed within schools would serve as a strong deterrent against crime and enhance student safety. “If kids feel unsafe in schools, where else must they feel safe?” Mpungose questioned.

Frustration has also been directed at the police for their slow response. When asked whether there was hope that law enforcement would take the matter seriously, Mpungose emphasized the necessity of deploying state-employed police officers rather than relying on costly private security firms. “SAPS are capable. They need to demonstrate that by sending two officers to each school.”

There are also growing calls for strict action against educators and school administrators who cover up sexual abuse cases. “Anyone who conceals a case or obstructs justice must be jailed,” Mpungose asserted. “These principals need to be jailed and removed from their positions because they are responsible for the school environment.”

As the case continues to unfold, pressure mounts on authorities to take swift and decisive action to ensure justice is served and that schools remain a safe space for all children.

Listen to the full interview on Your World Today with Mufti Yusuf Moosagie and Simpiwe Mpungose here.