-
Anti rape poster at a protest.
Non-Profit Organisation, advocating for children’s rights, Khula Development Project has welcomed the DNA testing of one of the persons of interest, in the alleged rape case of a seven-year-old girl from the independent school in Matatiele. Police Minister, Senzo Mchunu, made the announcement on Saturday.
The case has created public outcry with protests planned for Tuesday.
Director for Khula Community Development Project, Petros Majola, says police did not handle the case with urgency.
“They delayed from the month of October 2024 until there was a big noise on social media platforms. Which means then, for things to be done in the Eastern Cape, people have to make noise on social media platforms. So, they have literally failed the child and they must be held responsible for that because the Department of Education has done their part, but it was the police now who waited until things got worse and so, they have to answer because during the time of COVID they were responding very quick when you were saying there is a traditional party, there they come in, but now we are talking about serious crime, they are nowhere to be found,” says Majola.
Eastern Cape Premier, Oscar Mabuyane, says the case is receiving urgent attention.
Provincial Government Spokesperson, Khuselwa Rantjie, says the premier is standing in solidarity with the girl’s family.
“Premier Mabuyane stands in solidarity with the public in condemning this heinous crime and extends his heartfelt support to the child and her family. He acknowledges the lifelong trauma this incident has inflicted on Cwecwe and commends her parents for their strength in providing care and support during this difficult time. Since the incident in October 2024, social workers in Matatiele have been actively providing psycho-social support to both the child and her parents,” says Rantjie.
Video: Cwecwe – Support to the victim and family needs to be ongoing: Dr Shaheda Omar
