Tracy-Lynn Ruiters|Updated
Serious allegations of intimidation, assault and learner victimisation have emerged at Soneike High School in Kuils River, where parents have reportedly opened criminal cases after accusing school authorities of failing to protect their children despite years of complaints.
The allegations come as matric learners begin their final examinations, with parents demanding accountability from the Western Cape Education Department (WCED), school management and the School Governing Body (SGB).
According to information provided to the Cape Argus, cases of were registered at Kuils River SAPS on Wednesday, including intimidation and defeating the course of justice, while the sexual assault case stands completely on its own.
Parents allege assault and intimidation
One parent, who has formally requested an independent investigation, alleges that her children have endured humiliation, intimidation and unfair treatment by certain school staff members since 2022.
Despite repeatedly approaching school management, the WCED and Safe Schools, she claims the alleged mistreatment continued.
The situation allegedly escalated on 24 July 2026 when one of her sons was assaulted by a senior staff member.
She claims a criminal case was opened, but her son continued experiencing intimidation from individuals allegedly connected to the dispute.
The parent also raised concerns about school personnel questioning learners while criminal investigations were under way, potentially interfering with witness statements.
Second parent alleges sexual assault involving learner
Another parent has called for an independent investigation after alleging that her daughter was raped by a fellow Grade 12 learner on 7 August 2026.
She claims a meeting on 6 October, intended to discuss her daughter's safety and reintegration into school, became confrontational when a senior staff member allegedly shouted at and intimidated her.
The parent also questioned the qualifications and conduct of a staff member responsible for learners, accusing education officials of failing to adequately address repeated complaints.
PEESA backs parents’ complaints
Vanessa Le Roux, founder of Parents for Equal Education SA (PEESA), said she accompanied several parents to Kuils River police station on Wednesday evening, where statements were taken late into the night.
Le Roux said she became involved after reviewing numerous emails parents had sent to education authorities detailing alleged harassment, victimisation and assault.
"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," she said.
She thanked Kuils River police, particularly Colonel Dywaba from the provincial Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit, who arranged assistance from Constable Abrahams.
Le Roux criticised SGB members who allegedly failed to act in learners' interests, saying parents had reported children experiencing anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts.
"I want to applaud those parents that took a stand and said, you will be held accountable," she said.
She encouraged matric learners to remain hopeful.
"To those students, hold on, something will be done," she said.
Police confirm intimidation and justice-related cases
SAPS spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Frederick van Wyk confirmed that a case of defeating the course of justice, relating to an incident at a school in Highbury Road, had been registered for investigation.
He also confirmed that an intimidation case was registered on 13 October.
"Both cases' investigations are ongoing," Van Wyk said.
He added that once investigations were finalised, the dockets would be handed to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for a decision or further instructions.
WCED disputes claims of learner victimisation
WCED spokesperson Millicent Merton confirmed that the department was investigating allegations of sexual assault involving two learners.
"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," Merton said.
She confirmed that disciplinary proceedings involving an educator had been concluded and that the educator was sanctioned.
Addressing allegations of learner victimisation, Merton disputed claims that the school had unfairly targeted pupils.
"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."
She added that concerns regarding the SGB's handling of disciplinary processes had since been addressed by the Circuit Manager.