The SAPS has confirmed that a case of rape was opened for investigation at the Steenberg police station after a 15-year-old girl was abducted by unknown suspects in a white BMW.
"FCS (Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences) investigators are investigating the circumstances surrounding this incident," police spokesperson Sergeant Noloyiso Rwexana said on Wednesday.
He appealed to anyone that can assist with the investigation to contact Crime Stop on 0800 10111. No one has been arrested so far.
According to Western Cape Education MEC Debbie Schäfer, the Grade 9 pupil had been on her way to school at 6.55am last Thursday when she was abducted and sexually assaulted by men driving a white BMW with tinted windows. Her abductors drove around with her for hours before dropping her off.
The provincial education department believes this is the fourth incident this month in which a pupil has been abducted in similar circumstances. The kidnappings of two pupils occurred in the Zonnebloem area earlier this month.
A circular was sent out to schools by a social worker of the Metropole Central Education District, advising parents of an increase in child abductions in the Zonnebloem area and surrounds.
Schäfer told the Cape Argus the incidents raise concerns for pupils who travel alone to and from school, especially girls.
"The learner reported that men in a white BMW, with tinted windows, stopped next to her and pulled her into the car, before driving around with her for hours.
"The matter has been reported to the South African Police Services Steenberg and the learner has received medical attention. A school social worker and psychologist are also providing counselling to the learner and her family.
"The safety of our learners outside the school gates remains beyond our control, but schools need to ensure that there are safety measures in place at dismissal time," Schäfer said.
The principal of Milnerton Pre-Primary School also sent out a "Stranger Danger" circular to parents that has been widely shared on social media.