Attempted Sexual Assault at Villa Liza Secondary School in Boksburg Shocks MEC Maile

• MEC Lebogang Maile said he was deeply disturbed after receiving a preliminary report about the incident at Villa Liza Secondary School
• A Grade 8 girl was allegedly followed into the school toilets by two male learners during dismissal on 20 August 2026
• The Gauteng Department of Education confirmed that a case was opened at Dawn Park Police Station following the alleged attack

GAUTENG — MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation Lebogang Maile has spoken out after an alleged attempted sexual assault involving learners at Villa Liza Secondary School in Boksburg came to light.

Maile made his remarks following the receipt of a preliminary incident report from the Gauteng Department of Education. A formal media statement released by the department on 24 August 2026 confirmed the details of the incident, which reportedly took place on Thursday, 20 August 2026.

What allegedly happened at Villa Liza Secondary School

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According to the department's statement, the incident unfolded during the school's dismissal period. A Grade 8 girl made her way to the school toilets, where two male learners allegedly followed her, held her down, and attempted to remove her clothing. Cleaning staff who were carrying out general duties on the premises interrupted the attack, prompting the suspects to flee the scene. The incident was subsequently reported to a member of the teaching staff. Parents of those involved were notified, and a case was formally opened at Dawn Park Police Station.

MEC Maile demands accountability and learner protection

Maile, who called for a probe into sexual misconduct at Curtis Nkondo School in Soweto, was unequivocal in his response. He said that schools must function as safe environments entirely free from sexual violence, intimidation, and harassment of any form. He stressed that conduct which violates a learner's dignity and bodily integrity cannot be treated as acceptable or minor behaviour.

The MEC confirmed that the Gauteng Department of Education would cooperate fully with the South African Police Service throughout the investigation and that internal disciplinary procedures would be set in motion. Maile also cautioned against the public disclosure of the identities of any learners connected to the matter, noting that psychosocial support would be arranged for the victim.

Maile calls on parents to step up

In a related article, Briefly News reported on Maile's call for shared responsibility in keeping schools safe. His remarks come amidst rising concerns of gangsterism and violence affecting educational environments across the province.

Source: Briefly News