Soshanguve community demands justice for slain teenager, Palesa Malatji

May 29, 2023 100

The angry community of Soshanguve is calling for justice following the brutal murder of Palesa Malatji (17).

It is alleged that the grade 12 learner’s body was found sexually violated and dumped near a school in the township a day after she was reported missing.

Malatji was last seen leaving Ntsako Secondary School on Thursday afternoon after attending extra classes.

Disgruntled learners say their safety is compromised and they fall prey to crime when attending these extra classes.

Some learners have pleaded with government to ensure that schools become safer again.

MEC for Education in Gauteng, Matome Chiloane, has committed to beefing up security in schools around the province as criminals continue to target learners.

Chiloane made the promise while addressing the aggrieved community of Soshanguve on Monday.

The MEC has also called on members of the community and law enforcement authorities to assist in ensuring the safety of learners outside of school.

“We need greater support outside the schooling community because the school can only protect learners within that parameter, but once they exit it becomes another space on its own,” said Matome.

Student organisation, Cosas, slammed the extra classes, which the organisation says have become a danger to learners, particularly because they are in school until late in the evening.

The organisation says if teachers did what was required of them during the eight hours of schooling, then there wouldn’t be a need for the extra classes.

Cosas says schools should do away with the extra classes if the lives of learners cannot be protected.

[IN PICTURES] MEC’s visit to Soshanguve earlier today.

Malatji’s death comes as the country commemorates Child Protection Week, which is aimed at raising awareness of the rights of children as articulated in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa and the Children’s Act (Act No. 38 of 2005).

Minister for Social Development, Lindiwe Zulu, launched the Child Protection Week campaign in Cape Town on Sunday, under the theme ‘ ‘Let us Protect Children during COVID-19 and Beyond.’

She has called on all South Africans to support Child Protection Week by ensuring that the most vulnerable in our society do not suffer abuse.

“It is in our hands to stop the cycle of neglect, abuse, violence and exploitation of children,” said Zulu.

A study by the Western Cape Child Protection Alliance shows that most children experience or witness multiple forms of violence in their homes, schools, and communities.

“One-fifth of children who have been sexually abused by adults are likely to have problems with schoolwork or school attendance,” the report reads.

Minister of Social Development, Ms Lindiwe Zulu speaks of the need to focus on the home environment and making it conducive for children who are part of the Homestead (RISIHA site), in the Western Cape. #RISIHA #ChildProtection365 pic.twitter.com/OHN1MQqEi2

— Social Development (@The_DSD) May 29, 2023