In an impassioned response to the alarming case of a 7-year-old pupil allegedly raped at Bergview College in Matatiele, Eastern Cape, Major General Mmantsheke Lekhele, the head of the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Investigations (FCS) unit, has pledged to ensure that every avenue of justice is pursued and that all evidence is meticulously preserved. This development comes as thousands of South Africans rallied under the banner of #JusticeForCweCwe, demanding accountability and justice for the young survivor.
The incident, which reportedly occurred while the girl awaited her transport in October last year, has sparked outrage within the community and beyond, particularly amid claims of uncooperation from the school’s principal. Reports indicate that the principal has refused to provide the police with a DNA sample, an act that has raised significant concerns around the handling of the investigation.
In a decisive response, the Eastern Cape Education MEC issued a notice to the independent school to close, although the institution has contested this directive in court. As the investigation continues, the school has confirmed the suspension of a non-teaching staff member, raising questions about the involvement of those in the educational environment. However, the principal’s status as a suspect remains ambiguous, with representatives from Afriforum asserting his innocence and accusing the police of mishandling the case.
National police spokesperson, Athlenda Mathe, affirmed that General Lekhele is set to collaborate with key stakeholders, including the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), to ensure the matter is handled with urgency and thoroughness. “The SAPS assures the nation that justice will prevail, and those found guilty will face appropriate consequences,” Mathe stated. She emphasised the need for responsible reporting on social media, underscoring the sensitivity surrounding the case.
Commitments from various departments, including SAPS, NPA, and the Department of Education (DBE), to handle the case with the utmost care reflect a collective resolve to protect the dignity of the survivor and ensure justice is served promptly. Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga, Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities has engaged with key governmental figures across relevant departments to elevate the urgent nature of this case to the Justice, Crime Prevention, and Security (JCPS) Cluster.
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has urged the NPA to leverage the full extent of the law under the Criminal Procedure Act to ensure justice is served. They highlighted the necessity for compulsory use of the National Register for Sex Offenders (NRSO) to screen individuals working in environments with children, emphasising a strategic approach to accountability that can safeguard future potential victims.