Port Elizabeth - A matric pupil arrested for allegedly raping a 13-year-old girl at a Port Elizabeth school will appear in court on Thursday, The Herald online reported.
The incident allegedly took place in the boys' changing room during the morning break on Friday last week, at the Victoria Park High School.
The girl's parents, who cannot be named to protect her identity, reported the matter to the police on Monday.
According to detectives linked to the investigation, the 18-year-old boy, claimed the sex was consensual, which the law defines as statutory rape as he is classified as an adult.
Police spokesman Captain Stanley Jarvis reportedly confirmed to the newspaper that last week's alleged rape had been reported to the police by the girl's parents.
The girl, who is in Grade 8, had informed one of her teachers after school on Monday, he said.
The teacher alerted the principal, who called the girl's parents and the police. A criminal case was then opened by the minor's parents and the accused was arrested on Monday.
Victoria Park High principal Michael Vermaak said that after he was made aware of the incident, the girl's parents and the authorities were notified.
“All the correct procedures were followed and the relevant parties contacted. We take the well-being of all the scholars very seriously and try our utmost to prevent any incidents from happening,” he said. - Sapa