Alleged attempted sexual assault at Boksburg school involving pupils

The Gauteng Education Department says it is deeply disturbed by an alleged attempted sexual assault involving learners at Villa Liza Secondary School in Boksburg, east of Johannesburg.

The incident allegedly happened last Thursday during dismissal, when a Grade 8 girl went to the school toilets.

Two learners allegedly followed her inside, restrained her and tried to remove some of her clothing.

The alleged attack was interrupted when the school’s general staff were carrying out cleaning duties, prompting the two boys to flee.

The department’s spokesperson Onwabile Lubhelwana says a criminal case has been opened.

“MEC Maile maintains that sexual violence has no place in our schools and that every learner deserves a safe and conducive environment for teaching and learning.

The department will provide the necessary psychosocial support to the affected learner.” MEDIA STATEMENT | MEC MAILE DISTURBED BY ALLEGED ATTEMPTED SEXUAL ASSAULT AT VILLA LIZA SECONDARY SCHOOL MEC @LebogangMaile1 is deeply disturbed by the alleged attempted sexual assault of a Grade 8 learner at Villa Liza Secondary School in Boksburg on 20 August 2026. pic.twitter.com/jDd33Gi5ez — Gauteng Department of Education (@EducationGP1) August 24, 2026 Credit: Nonhlanhla Ntshingila