South African authorities are investigating the alleged mass sexual assault of seven primary school boys in Diepkloof, Soweto, after a 16-year-old pupil is said to have lured them to an adult who then raped them at gunpoint.
The Gauteng Education Department and police said the boys, aged between 10 and 13 and pupils at Khomanani Primary School, were allegedly given a spiked cold drink on September 1 and taken to a man who threatened them with a firearm and assaulted them. A 31-year-old man was arrested on September 6 in connection with the case, police said, and was later released from custody pending further investigation in consultation with forensic social workers and the National Police Authority. The 16-year-old pupil has been suspended and is due to face a disciplinary hearing on September 17.
A police statement said Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences detectives are investigating the allegation that seven boys were raped. Department of Education spokesman Steve Mabona said preliminary reports indicate the Grade 7 pupil allegedly stole a bottle of cold drink from a local shop, drugged it and gave it to the boys before taking them to an adult who assaulted them.
Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane described the alleged attacks as "unspeakable" and said the department had brought in specialists to assist the victims. The Teddy Bear Clinic, a Johannesburg organisation that supports sexually abused children, was reported to be providing assistance to the boys and their families.
Police would not provide further details of the investigation, citing the ages of the victims and ongoing inquiries. They confirmed that the adult suspect has not yet appeared in court and that further forensic work and interviews are under way.
The case has prompted strong public reaction. Social media comments quoted by local outlets included calls from parents for the suspended pupil to be criminally charged, while others suggested the teenager may have been coerced by the adult suspect. Some comments called for vigilante action, a response condemned by officials and child protection advocates.
South Africa records high levels of sexual violence, including against children, and experts and campaigners warned the latest allegations underline long-standing concerns. Parliamentary questions cited by advocacy groups showed 106,000 child rape cases reported to police between 2018 and 2024. Nonprofit Solidarity Helping Hand has reported an average of about 60 cases of child rape reported daily and, based on its estimate of under-reporting, has suggested the true number could be significantly higher. Authorities and experts say under-reporting and barriers to prosecution complicate efforts to address child sexual violence.
The Education Department said it is providing support to affected learners and families and is working with law enforcement and social services. The department did not explain publicly why the suspended 16-year-old has not been arrested. Police said they would not share operational details of the investigation but confirmed ongoing collaboration with forensic social workers to ensure the victims receive appropriate care.
Investigators have appealed to anyone with information to come forward to assist the inquiry. The matter remains under active police investigation and detectives say further statements and forensic results will determine the next prosecutorial steps.