Schoolboys arrested over sex video

2011-10-18 08:36

Tisha Steyn, Die Burger

George - Three boys from Oudtshoorn High School have been arrested on statutory rape charges after a sex video did the rounds at the school.

"The three - respectively 16, 17 and 18 years old - appeared in the magistrate’s court after the parents of a 15-year-old girl laid a charge of statutory rape against them,” said police spokesperson Captain Louis Visser on Monday.

Visser said the boys were arrested at the school on Friday morning. “They appeared in court on the same day and were released in the custody of their parents. They will appear again on Wednesday.

"It is not clear when the alleged incident took place," he said.

“It came to light after a sex video of the incident did the rounds at the school and the teachers got to hear of it. The girl’s parents were immediately informed about the incident.”

Child pornography

Visser said police were also investigating a charge of manufacturing and distributing child pornography. “The child who made the video is known to the police. He will appear in court soon.”

There were two similar incidents in May and September this year - one on the premises of the school boarding house and another at the De Jager sport complex.

“We want to bring it to the children’s attention that statutory rape is a serious charge. Even if the girl gave permission, it remains a criminal offence.”

“Children are warned that the distribution of the video is also a criminal offence and that distribution should be reported immediately to the police,” said Visser.

It appeared as though the pupils involved in the incident were all at school on Monday. The 18-year-old is in matric.

School principal Johan Claassen did not want to comment on Monday.

Western Cape education department spokesperson Paddy Attwell said the department was very worried about the incident. “The department will follow the case carefully. The law has to take its course.”
 

- Die Burger