Motsumi Junior Secondary School (JSS) in Letlhakane village is back in the news for a terrible reason. A boarding master was recently arrested for allegedly raping a 17-year-old Form 2 student. This isn’t the first time the school has faced such a scandal.
In 2019, a school driver, Oscar Marumo, was accused of sexually abusing three 14-year-old girls. He reportedly lured them with gifts and took them to his home, where he molested them. This pattern of abuse has left the community shocked and angry.
Last week, after a police workshop on gender-based violence (GBV), another horrifying case came to light. A Form 2 boy reported being sexually abused by the boarding master since 2024. The suspect allegedly invited the boy to his house, offered him food, and assaulted him multiple times. The boy was too scared to speak up because the abuser was someone he trusted.
The parents only found out after the boy skipped school and returned home. When they asked why, he said he felt treated “more like a wife than a student.” The parents immediately reported the case to the police.
Superintendent Michael Maphephu of Letlhakane Police Station confirmed the arrest. He said the suspect will face court once forensic results are ready. The victim has been referred to social workers for counselling and will be moved to another school.
Maphephu stressed that GBV in schools is often underreported. He hopes their workshops will encourage more students to speak out. Meanwhile, Desmond Lunga of Men and Boys for Gender Equality highlighted the need to educate boys about GBV. He said many boys suffer in silence due to societal pressures to appear tough.
Lunga’s NGO is touring villages to raise awareness about GBV. He urged parents, schools, and communities to work together to protect children.
Psst… here’s a pro tip! If you or someone you know is facing abuse, speak up. Reporting it can save lives and stop the cycle of violence.
This case shows how important it is to address GBV in schools and communities. Let’s stand together to protect our children and fight against abuse.
Meta Description: A shocking case of abuse at Motsumi JSS highlights the need to fight gender-based violence (GBV) in schools. Learn how communities can protect children and support victims.
