Charges against alleged gang-rape learners could be dropped

By Lelethu Mquqo
18 November 2010

The charges against three pupils in the Jules High School alleged gang rape case might be dropped.

The National Prosecuting Authority now says the matter does not belong in the criminal justice system.

Spokesperson Mthunzi Mhaga says the presiding magistrate has requested a report from a psychologist before making a ruling.

The 15-year-old girl has been charged, along with the two teenage boys, despite claims of being the victim.

She appeared in camera in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court today and was charged under the Sexual Offences Act.

Meanwhile, the Community Law Centre Child Rights Project has expressed concern about current public discussion relating to the prosecution what it regards as “a group of under-aged children” for engaging in consensual sex.

Parliamentary Programme Coordinator Samantha Waterhouse says the main concern here is why are 14-15-year-olds engaging in sex with each other, what are the motives behind that?.

On the other hand, The African National Congress Youth League has requested the Public Prosecutor to drop criminal charges against all three pupils.

“In full respect of the rule of law and all criminal procedures that exist, it does not believe that criminally prosecuting children will correct their behaviour” the ANC Youth League said in a statement.

ANC Youth League’s Magdalene Moonsamy says the league is calling for participation by all corners of society, to bring back true morals in our education system.