No prosecution in Cwecwe alleged rape case
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has confirmed that no prosecutions will be pursued in the Matatiele sexual assault matter, due to insufficient evidence.
The case, first submitted in November 2024 to both the Matatiele Magistrates’ Court prosecutors and the Matatiele Thuthuzela Care Centre, involved allegations of sexual assault against a minor.
The seven-year-old child, known as Cwecwe was allegedly raped at her school in Matatiele in the Eastern Cape in October last year.
The case attracted wide spread attention in March this year, and national outrage sparked widespread protests.
In a statement, NPA spokesperson Mthunzi Mhaga says, following thorough interviews and medical examinations of the child, prosecutors found no conclusive evidence to support a rape or sexual assault charge.
"The Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) subsequently reviewed the dossier and upheld the original decision.
"The NPA chose not to issue a public statement at that time to safeguard any ongoing police investigations."
He adds that the docket was initially returned to the police and that investigations continue. Along with that, authorities have resubmitted the file to the DPP’s office for additional review.
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