Serious accusations concerning intimidation, assault, and victimization of students have surfaced at Soneike High School, located in Kuils River. Following years of complaints, parents have initiated criminal proceedings against school administrators, claiming they neglected their duty to safeguard their children.
These serious allegations arose as matric students commenced their final examinations. Parents are now demanding that the Western Cape Education Department (WCED), the school's management, and the School Governing Body (SGB) take responsibility for the situation.
Information provided to the Cape Argus indicates that cases related to intimidation and obstructing the course of justice were filed at the Kuils River SAPS on Wednesday, separate from a specific sexual assault case.
Parents allege assault and intimidation
One parent, who has formally requested an independent inquiry, stated that her children have faced unfair treatment, humiliation, and intimidation from certain school employees dating back to 2022. She maintained that this alleged mistreatment persisted despite her repeated attempts to engage with the school management, the WCED, and Safe Schools.
The situation reportedly worsened on July 24, 2026, when a senior staff member allegedly assaulted one of her sons. Although a criminal case was filed, the parent reported that her son continued to experience intimidation from individuals supposedly linked to the conflict. Furthermore, she expressed worry that school personnel were questioning students while criminal investigations were active, which could compromise witness testimonies.
A second parent brought forward an allegation of sexual assault, claiming her daughter was raped by another Grade 12 student on August 7, 2026. She recounted that a scheduled meeting on October 6, intended to discuss her daughter's safety and return to school, turned hostile when a senior staff member allegedly shouted at and intimidated her. This parent also challenged the qualifications and conduct of a staff member overseeing students, accusing education officials of inadequately responding to recurring grievances.
PEESA backs parents’ complaints
Vanessa Le Roux, the founder of Parents for Equal Education SA (PEESA), confirmed that she accompanied several parents to the Kuils River police station on Wednesday evening, where statements were recorded late into the night. Le Roux explained that her involvement began after she reviewed numerous emails sent by parents to education authorities, detailing alleged harassment, assault, and victimization.
She stated, «After I started reading those countless emails, how these parents have written to everyone in the WCED over a period of time, how their children are being victimised, harassed, even assaulted by one of the educators, a girl was raped by a fellow learner, and still she is the one being victimised, I knew this one I won't leave.» Le Roux extended her gratitude to the Kuils River police, specifically mentioning Colonel Dywaba from the provincial Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit, who facilitated assistance from Constable Abrahams.
Le Roux criticized members of the SGB for allegedly failing to act in the best interests of the students, noting that parents had reported children suffering from anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. She offered encouragement to the parents who stood up for themselves, stating, «I want to applaud those parents that took a stand and said, you will be held accountable.» She also urged the matric students to maintain hope, assuring them, «To those students, hold on, something will be done.»
Police have verified the registration of cases concerning intimidation and issues related to the justice system. Lieutenant Colonel Frederick van Wyk, a SAPS spokesperson, confirmed that a case of defeating the course of justice, stemming from an incident at a school on Highbury Road, was registered for investigation. He also confirmed an intimidation case was logged on October 13.
Van Wyk added that both investigations are currently in progress, and once finalized, the relevant files will be submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for a determination or further directives.
WCED disputes claims of learner victimisation
Millicent Merton, a spokesperson for the WCED, confirmed that the department is actively investigating the allegations of sexual assault involving two students. Merton stated, «The school and the department recently became aware of allegations of sexual assault involving two learners. Although the alleged incident did not occur on the school premises, an investigation is underway and support measures are being put in place. A police investigation is also underway.»
She further confirmed that disciplinary action against an educator had been completed and that the educator received sanctions. Regarding the claims of student victimization, Merton refuted the assertion that the school unfairly targeted pupils. She explained, «Previous complaints from parents reportedly stemmed from dissatisfaction with the outcomes of disciplinary hearings involving learners. Allegations that learners were victimized are reportedly unfounded as learners were simply held accountable for their actions through the school's disciplinary processes.» Finally, she mentioned that concerns raised about the SGB's management of disciplinary procedures had subsequently been addressed by the Circuit Manager.