5Grade Learner’s Abuse Case Stalled After Guardians Take Her to Zimbabwe

A Grade 5 learner from Skeen Primary School in Johannesburg has become the center of a deeply troubling case after she was allegedly removed from South Africa and taken to Zimbabwe by her guardians, amid an ongoing child abuse investigation. The development has severely hampered the efforts of law enforcement to gather critical evidence, including a medical examination and the learner’s official statement—both essential components in prosecuting abuse cases.

According to Commander Masilo Lebeya of the Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Offences Unit, the grade 5 learner was taken out of the country before the police had the chance to secure key testimony or perform a medical evaluation. “We only learned of her whereabouts when a social worker reached out to one of the suspects, who then admitted to taking the girl to Zimbabwe,” said Lebeya.

The case had been flagged by Skeen Primary School, which reported the suspected abuse to Sandringham Police Station. Although signs of the grade 5 learner’s distress were not initially visible, the school eventually began counselling sessions after uncovering family-related challenges affecting the child. “Remember, we deal with many children. By the time a teacher realizes something is wrong, it might already be too late. This child had clearly been suffering in silence,” Lebeya added.

Police Push for Cooperation in Grade 5 Learner Case

The Grade 5 learner, currently missing from school and her known residential address, was removed just days before her scheduled June examinations, without any notice to school officials. This abrupt withdrawal has raised suspicions that the guardians may have acted intentionally to obstruct the investigation.

Commander Matheba, also part of the investigation team, confirmed that police are attempting to make contact with the guardians in hopes of gaining their cooperation. However, the process has been slow and fraught with complications. “If they don’t cooperate, we’ll have to involve the Department of Home Affairs to verify the learner’s legal status in South Africa,” Matheba explained.

“If the Grade 5 learner is found to have been residing in the country without proper documentation, then we’ll need to work through diplomatic and immigration channels to facilitate her return. That could significantly delay justice,” he added.

This development underscores the complex challenges that law enforcement and child protection services face, especially when abuse investigations intersect with international borders. In this case, not only is the alleged victim a minor, but her physical absence from South Africa adds a major obstacle to pursuing justice.

According to authorities, the lack of a medical report is one of the key reasons the investigation cannot move forward. “The learner’s statement was not taken, and she hasn’t been seen by a medical professional. Without a doctor’s report, the case has no legal footing,” said Lebeya.

The school has expressed frustration over the situation, emphasizing their swift action in reporting the initial signs of abuse. “Once we were aware that the learner was experiencing family issues, we did not hesitate to get social services involved,” added Lebeya.

He further stated that Skeen Primary School has implemented measures to strengthen its support systems for learners, encouraging students to speak up about any abuse or trauma they may face at home. “We try to create a safe space for our learners. But often, these signs come too late,” he said.

The suspected move to “kill the case” by taking the Grade 5 learner to Zimbabwe brings into sharp focus the difficulties involved in cross-border child protection cases. When victims are removed from a jurisdiction, gathering legally admissible evidence becomes nearly impossible. This not only delays justice but places the child at further risk of harm and neglect.

Law enforcement is now counting on inter-agency collaboration—including immigration, police, and social welfare departments—to either bring the learner back to South Africa or find alternative means to document her abuse while abroad. Until then, the accused guardians remain at large, and the case remains at a standstill.

As the investigation drags on, child protection advocates are calling for stronger safeguards to prevent such incidents in the future. “When it comes to child abuse, time is everything. Delays cost lives and destroy cases,” said one child welfare expert not directly involved in the investigation.

The case of the Grade 5 learner from Skeen Primary School is a tragic reminder of the urgent need for effective, coordinated systems that protect vulnerable children—especially in cases where family members themselves may be the perpetrators.

Source- Bulawayo 24