IN CONVERSATION WITH MLU MTSHALI
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KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Education, Mr Sipho Hlomuka, has expressed profound relief following the arrest of a suspect accused of raping six learners from Bizimali High School. The suspect was apprehended in Durban earlier today after a joint operation involving community members, law enforcement agencies, and other key stakeholders.
In a statement, MEC Hlomuka praised the swift and coordinated efforts that led to the arrest, describing it as a powerful example of what can be achieved when communities and authorities work in unison.
“This arrest demonstrates what is possible when communities and stakeholders unite,” said Hlomuka. “We remain deeply concerned about the safety of our learners. This horrific incident has shaken us all, but the determination shown in tracking down the alleged perpetrator gives us hope that such evil will not prevail.”
In the wake of the traumatic events, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education has mobilised a team of psychologists to provide immediate counselling and ongoing psychosocial support to the victims and their families.
“Our priority is to support the learners through this extremely difficult time and ensure their wellbeing is not compromised further,” Hlomuka added.
MEC to Visit Bizimali High School
The MEC confirmed he will personally visit Bizimali High School on Thursday, 22 May, where he will meet with the affected families, school leadership, and members of the broader school community.
The visit aims to offer both moral support and assurance that the Department remains committed to ensuring justice and restoring a sense of safety and normalcy at the school.
Zero Tolerance for Abuse
Reaffirming the Department’s stance, Hlomuka emphasized that abuse of any kind will not be tolerated in KwaZulu-Natal schools.
“Our schools must be safe spaces where every child can learn, grow, and thrive without fear. We will continue working closely with law enforcement to root out any threats to learner safety.”
As the legal process unfolds, the Department has urged the public and media to respect the privacy of the victims and allow healing to take place.
In a statement, MEC Hlomuka praised the swift and coordinated efforts that led to the arrest, describing it as a powerful example of what can be achieved when communities and authorities work in unison.
“This arrest demonstrates what is possible when communities and stakeholders unite,” said Hlomuka. “We remain deeply concerned about the safety of our learners. This horrific incident has shaken us all, but the determination shown in tracking down the alleged perpetrator gives us hope that such evil will not prevail.”
In the wake of the traumatic events, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education has mobilised a team of psychologists to provide immediate counselling and ongoing psychosocial support to the victims and their families.
“Our priority is to support the learners through this extremely difficult time and ensure their wellbeing is not compromised further,” Hlomuka added.
MEC to Visit Bizimali High School
The MEC confirmed he will personally visit Bizimali High School on Thursday, 22 May, where he will meet with the affected families, school leadership, and members of the broader school community.
The visit aims to offer both moral support and assurance that the Department remains committed to ensuring justice and restoring a sense of safety and normalcy at the school.
Zero Tolerance for Abuse
Reaffirming the Department’s stance, Hlomuka emphasized that abuse of any kind will not be tolerated in KwaZulu-Natal schools.
“Our schools must be safe spaces where every child can learn, grow, and thrive without fear. We will continue working closely with law enforcement to root out any threats to learner safety.”
As the legal process unfolds, the Department has urged the public and media to respect the privacy of the victims and allow healing to take place.