An open letter to Western Cape education MEC Debbie Schäfer. The recent news of a 16-year-old Grade 9 girl in Belhar being raped repeatedly by an unknown number of fellow pupils in a classroom during school hours is an abomination.What is even more disturbing is the fact that the victim has not made a statement at the local police station. She was threatened by the perpetrators, who are believed to be gangsters, and has decided to remain silent on the matter.The African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) in the Western Cape believes that schools should be safe and stimulating environments for all pupils.This is vital if they are to live a meaningful life that will positively contribute to the building of a prosperous South Africa.We therefore urge you, MEC, to have the Western Cape education department conduct an investigation into this matter. We want to know how it is possible for a pupil to be raped during school hours.We also believe the matter needs to concern the number of pupils who may have had their rights violated due to fellow students belonging to a gang.These pupils who have decided to be gang members should be suspended until after the investigation.The ACDP in the Western Cape strongly exhorts you to take swift action to ensure that despicable acts such as this are never repeated again. ..