GIRL SEXUALLY HARASSED IN CLASS, COPS INVESTIGATE

MBABANE – Sexual harassment is now happening during class time.

In a disturbing incident that shocked a community in the northern Hhohho, a female pupil was allegedly subjected to sexual harassment during class time at a high school near Pigg’s Peak. The incident, which occurred approximately a week ago, has left the community angry and demanding justice. They are complaining that the alleged perpetrators of the incident are roaming freely.

According to reports obtained by Eswatini News, the female pupil, *Dela, was allegedly fondled by her male colleagues, *Juba and *Joko. It is said the alleged sexual harassment happened in full view of other pupils. The class teacher is said to have been away at the time of the incident, but was informed later. It was said to have all started when Juba grabbed Dela and forced her to sit onto Joko’s lap. Despite her residences, Juba is said to have forced Dela, who is said to be a teenager to sit on the lap of Joko.After Dela had allegedly been thrown onto Joko’s lap, Joko is said to have held her tightly, ensuring that she could not escape.

Fondled

While Joko held her, it is alleged that both male pupils then proceeded to fondle her. It is alleged that Dela had her breasts, buttocks and even private parts fondled. After the embarrassing incident, Dela is said to have reported what had transpired to one of the teachers, hoping that this would result in the punishment of the two boys but this did not happen. Instead, the teacher is alleged to have said the school’s authorities needed to be informed about it.

Upon being informed about the incident, the school’s authorities reportedly advised that the alleged assault was a criminal matter relating to the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence (SODV) Act. The school is then said to have advised that the matter should be reported to the police because it was now beyond their authority to act on it.
An enquiry into the matter is said to have been lodged at the Pigg’s Peak Police Station by officers under the anti-domestic violence unit.

News of the incident quickly spread beyond the confines of the school, reaching concerned parents around the community where the school is situated. It is alleged that some of the parents expressed dismay and sought answers, demanding to know if any action had been taken against the two male pupils, who allegedly fondled the teenager.
In response to growing public outrage, police officers visited the school last Wednesday to follow up on the incident and gather further information.

The presence of the police, according to some of the parents is said to have calmed down some of the angry parents.
Despite the fact that the affected pupils are reportedly at least 18 years of age, it was gathered that the police had indicated that they would also engage the parents because the incident happened within the school setting.

This was after some of the parents questioned why they were not being arrested, because even though they were pupils, they were adults, as they had passed the age of 18 years. The deputy Chief Police Information and Communications Officer, Assistant Superintendent Nosipho Mnguni confirmed that the matter was reported. She said it was currently being investigated.

The school’s administration could not be reached for comment and attempts were made to call the Ministry of Education and Training Principal Secretary (PS) Bheki Gama but his cellphone rang unanswered.
*Not real name to protect complainant from victimisation.

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