Advocacy group calls for probe into handling of Euphonik, DJ Fresh rape case
Advocacy group Wise Collective has called for an investigation into the handling of a rape case opened against DJ Fresh and Euphonik.
On Monday night, the popular entertainers released a statement on Twitter, saying the prosecutor had decided not to prosecute due to insufficient evidence.
The National Prosecuting Authority confirmed this on Tuesday.
The two were accused of drugging and subsequently sexually assaulting three women 10 years ago. However, only one victim has laid a criminal charge.
In a letter to National Police Commissioner Kehla Sithole, signed by the directors of the organisation, Advocate Brenda Madumise-Pajibo and Onica Makwakwa, the organisation has questioned the manner in which the case was handled by the police.
They refer to an article published by the Sunday World on 24 January 2021, which detailed the victim's statement to the police, which appears to have been leaked to the media.
ALSO READ: Car crashes into pupils at Curro school, 6 left injured
"The information used in the Sunday World article comprised of her statement given to a member of the SAPS without the victim’s consent and or knowledge. This conduct ( the ‘leak’ of personal and confidential information only to be used for criminal proceedings ) is detrimental not only to the safety of victims of gender-based violence but also an infringement of their rights to privacy, confidentiality, and right of protection under the law," the statement says.
The organisation also claims the victim was not formally informed that the prosecutor would drop the case.
"The same time the victim was not informed of such a decision, in fact she was sent a WhatsApp message by the investigating officer at 21h17 on the 15 February 2021 and the message read: ‘Hi sorry for so late… the docket came back for court today. The court are not going to proceed with the case’. This is a travesty of justice that demand answers and accountability from the SAPS."
The organisation wants an investigation into alleged negligence by the police, how the newspaper managed to access to the victim's statement, and why the suspects were informed of the decision not to prosecute but not the victim.
Wise Collective will file a civil suit against the police if it does not receive a response in the next 14 days.
