Grade 11 Student Misses Exams After Being Kidnapped By Security Guard
In a heartbreaking turn of events, a female student in grade 11 missed her exam last Friday after being kidnapped from her classroom and raped by a security guard at her school.
The suspect, identified as Stephen Makgobatlou, also known as Simon Matome from Allemansdrift, Mpumalanga, was arrested and made his first appearance in court on Monday to face charges.
According to Brigadier Selvy Mohlala, the spokesperson for the Mpumalanga police, the incident occurred when the grade 11 student arrived at the school premises early in the morning, around 6 AM. Being the first one to arrive, she encountered the security guard stationed at the gate. After courteously greeting him, she proceeded to her classroom to prepare for her examination.
Brigadier Selvy Mohlala confirmed the details of the incident, stating,
“According to information, the learner arrived at school early, at about 6 AM, and she was the first to arrive at school. She alleged that on her arrival, the school gate was partially opened and the security guard was standing next to the gate. She respectfully greeted him and proceeded to her class to prepare.”
The learner alleges that a few minutes later, the guard entered her classroom claiming to be searching for a suspected intruder. He then left momentarily but returned carrying an iron rod. He instructed the student to accompany him, forcefully pulling her by her clothes, and threatened to harm her with the rod if she made any noise.
“She was forced into the bushes where the security guard allegedly raped her. At the time neither the learners nor teachers were at school,” he said.
Fortunately, the student managed to escape when the security guard left her alone momentarily to purchase food. Before leaving, he warned her to stay put, threatening to stab her with the iron rod and dispose of her in a nearby dam if she didn’t comply.
Seizing the opportunity, the victim fled in the opposite direction, where she found transportation and promptly reported the incident to the police. Mohlala added that the suspect, a 48-year-old named Stephen Makgobatlou, was arrested later that evening and charged with rape.