Abigail Visagie

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) yesterday confirmed that no one will be prosecuted in the alleged rape of seven year old Cwecwe from Matatiele in the Eastern Cape.

Last month the country took to the streets demanding #JusticeforCwecwe who was allegedly raped in October last year at the Bergview College school grounds.

According to the NPA, a case was presented to prosecutors in November last year at Matatiele Magistrates Court and various outlets that contained information with suspicions of sexual assault on a minor girl.

This case sparked national interest and various movements around the country, marched in support of the seven-year-old girl.

NPA National Spokesperson, Advocate Mthunzi Mhaga says the decision to not prosecute was reached because there was insufficient evidence and no conclusive evidence of rape or sexual assault could be found after an interview and examination was conducted on the minor.

He says the Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), later called for the docket, and the prosecutors in the DPP office re-looked the matter and confirmed the decision made by prosecutors.

Mhaga says that this decision was communicated to the police officers who had submitted the docket, and it was returned to them, and says the DPP did not release a public statement with regards to their decision at the time because doing so could have potential to compromise any ongoing police investigations.

“However, given the public outcry and interest generated since the matter resurfaced in April, the NPA has decided to communicate the decision of the prosecutors in the Eastern Cape Division. We can also indicate that the police have since resubmitted the docket to the DPP’s office for further consideration,” Mhaga concluded.