By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane has confirmed the death of a grade 7 pupil from Echibini Junior Secondary School in Soshanguve in Tshwane.
Chiloane says he is hopeful that the law enforcement agencies will bring the perpetrator to book.
“According to information at our disposal, the perpetrator allegedly trespassed the learner’s home in Soshanguve by entering through a window and reportedly raped and strangled the learner to death.
“It is alleged that her parents were sleeping in the other room and only realised what took place in the morning when they wanted to wake her up.
“We are devasted at the occurrence of this gruesome incident. We wish to extend our deepest condolences to the learner’s family and school community at large,” said Chiloane.
Last week, the Mthatha High Court sentenced a serial rapist to 150 years in prison.
According Colonel Priscilla Naidu, Thobani Mhlanganiso, 30, from Lujecweni A/A in Tsolo, broke into people’s homes, assaulted them and threatened to kill the victims, while demanding money and their possessions before finally raping them.
He was found guilty on all the charges in June and was sentenced on 13 December to a total of 150 years of which he will effectively serve 30 years as most of the sentences will run concurrently.