School Security Guard Charged with Rape of Grade 11 Learner

Pretoria – A school security guard, 48-year-old Stephen Makgobatlou, also known as Simon Matome, was remanded in custody following his alleged rape of a 16-year-old Grade 11 learner in Allemansdrift, Vaalbank. The incident reportedly occurred on Friday, 17 November 2023, causing the victim to miss her examination.

According to South African Police Service, the learner arrived at school early and was approached by the security guard, who initially claimed to be searching for a break-in suspect. He later returned with an iron rod, coerced the learner to accompany him, and subsequently raped her in a nearby bush. The victim managed to escape and report the incident to the police, leading to the guard’s arrest the same evening.

Lieutenant General Semakaleng Daphney Manamela, the Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, emphasized the severity of the crime, particularly in a school setting, likening it to an attack at home. The case has been postponed to Monday, 27 November 2023.