Abortion accused student discharged to write exams
Tumelo Mouwane | Wednesday November 8, 2017 13:51
This was confirmed by Goodhope Police station commander, Superintendent Mogomotsi Kwapa. The Form 5 student was found struggling for her life at the boarding facility in the morning of October 30 having given birth to a stillborn in her dormitory. The incident, which left other students shocked, is still under investigation but the police could not confirm nor deny if indeed the incident was, nor was a case of an intended abortion.
“The student has been released from the hospital and she is back at the school to continue with examinations. This happened whilst she was still writing her Form 5 examinations. Our investigations are however continuing and we are awaiting a doctor’s report and the foetus is still held at the Goodhope Primary Hospital.
“The foetus was certified dead upon arrival at the scene and if any offence was committed, all those implicated will be accordingly charged and dealt with according to the law,” he said.
Meanwhile, an unconfirmed number of male students were yesterday tried before Goodhope Customary Court for allegedly attacking guards at the school and breaking the guard house windows. Loss incurred in the violence was calculated at P2,000. The incident took place on Thursday last week and the students were subsequently arrested. It is not yet clear what triggered the wayward behaviour but regional education director, Acronews Maseko said they have resolved to further intensify security at the institution amidst fears that violent protests may erupt, especially on the last days of exams.
“It is true that a number of students attacked the guards and broke several guardhouse’s windows at the school. It is quite unquestionable that rowdy behaviour is escalating at the school and we have to take firm actions going forward. We have decided to intensify security to further patrol the school day and night, especially that the BGCSE exams are nearing an end and protests are likely to take place,” he said.
Kwapa confirmed that the boys were brought before the Goodhope Customary Court to face trial for the alleged offence. He said the law will be firmly implemented to send a message to other students and those indirectly involved.
“The boys will today (Tuesday) face trial before the Goodhope Customary Court for the offences they are alleged to have committed. Government property worth P2,000 was damaged and the students will pay for these goods if they are convicted. We will not be tired to protect lives and government property at the school. Those who are indirectly involved must be cautioned,” he said.
Goodhope Senior has been in the headlines for the wrong reasons over the years and the matter became worse in 2017. The school was temporarily closed in September following violent protests, which left at least one security personnel injured. A fortnight ago, six mattresses were burnt at the Block 1 hostel facility on boys’ side. Nine boys were detained in connection with the incident, but they were later released since police said there was nothing that links them to the crime.
The sub-District Council chief executive officer, Maobene Molefe said in an interview that the school will be soon turned into one gender boarding facility in order to address issues of sexual indulgence at the school and indiscipline in general and the notion has been largely promoted by legislators here. Sources said there are some teachers who are suspected to be taking part in influencing unrests at the school due to their unhappiness as to how things are run at the school. According to the sources, the issue is however still under the microscope.