/ 2 November 2007

Cops arrest former employee in Oprah school abuse case

A former dormitory employee at the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in Johannesburg has been arrested, Gauteng police said on Friday.

Police spokesperson Superintendent Lungelo Dlamini said the 27-year-old woman was arrested on Thursday by the family violence, child protection and sexual offences unit on several charges of abuse.

”Several charges including alleged assault, indecent assault, crimen injuria and soliciting under age girls to perform indecent acts are being investigated against her.”

Dlamini said at least seven victims had already submitted statements.

The woman was being held in the Vereeniging police cells and was expected to appear in Sebokeng Magistrate’s Court on Monday, he said.

Dlamini said a misconduct report compiled by a team of experts the school appointed had helped speed up investigations by identifying the victims and alleged perpetrator.

”As a result, the investigation has reached its final stage and criminal proceedings are due to start,” he said. — Sapa