Lesufi visits family of pupil who was allegedly raped, murdered in Germiston
"We are informed Laticia and a group of learners from Dukathole in Germiston, were on Wednesday, 22 January 2020, left behind by the departmental scholar transport and unfortunately had to turn back home," said Lesufi.
Gauteng Education MEC, Panyaza Lesufi has responded with sadness to the death of another pupil in the provinces.
In a statement, Lesufi says it's believed Laticia Princes Jansen, a 15-year-old Grade 9 girl pupil at Graceland Education Centre in Elsburg, Germiston was stabbed, raped, and killed on Wednesday in the bush near Elsburg.
"According to information at our disposal, Laticia didn’t come back home from school," says Lesufi.
"Subsequently the grandmother panicked and started checking in the neighbourhood, to no avail."
Lesufi says Jansen's grandmother filed a missing person's report, but allegedly no action was taken by police.
"The grandparent went to school and reported the child missing (and) it was actually confirmed that the child was absent on the said day. It is also concerning that the school failed to assist the parent," noted Lesufi.
It is believed that Jansen's grandmother mobilised members of the community, accompanied by dogs, to search for Jansen, and they found her body in the bush near Elsburg.
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"We are informed Laticia and a group of learners from Dukathole in Germiston, were on Wednesday, 22 January 2020, left behind by the departmental scholar transport and unfortunately had to turn back home," said Lesufi.
"It seems Laticia was left behind by her peers while walking back home, apparently after complaining about a heavy school bag, which she was trying to fix. Accordingly, that was the last time she was seen by her peers."
Lesufi has visited the family to convey his condolences and assured them that if the school is in the wrong, he will act decisively.
“It is alleged that the scholar transport started a tendency of departing earlier than scheduled as a result leaving many learners behind which is a serious concern for us.
We will investigate the circumstances surrounding this allegation. We have visited the family to convey our sincere condolences this afternoon, 26 January 2020,” said Lesufi.