Schoolgirl sexual assault number rises
It has come to light that the number of sexually assaulted learners at a Gauteng school has increased.
The Gauteng Department of Education says the number has risen to 87.
Provincial education spokesperson Steve Mabona says the shocking revelations were made during the counselling process, currently underway at the school in Soweto.
It's alleged the schoolgirls were sexually assaulted by a security guard at AB Xuma Primary School.
Initially, the number stood at 54.
Number of sexual assault victims at Soweto school rises to 83
"We are saddened to learn that the number is increasing. We are now standing at 87 learners who were sexually assaulted by the perpetrator.
"The counselling process that is underway at the school, is necessitating parents to come forward," Mabona says.
Lesufi 'disgusted' at alleged sexual assault of 54 schoolgirls
Gauteng education MEC Panyaza Lesufi says in a statement: "It is disappointing that we keep receiving such depressing information from our officials who are hard at work conducting necessary counselling at the said school."
Mabona says this number could continue to rise.
"We have apologised to the parents. We have failed the parents. We are working with all the stakeholders to provide support and reintegrate them."