NPA Drops CweCwe’s Case Due to “Lack of Evidence”

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has announced that no one will be prosecuted in the alleged rape of 7-year-old Cwecwe, citing insufficient evidence. The decision has drawn sharp criticism from activists and community members who have been demanding justice for the young girl since the incident was reported in October of 2024.

Police Minister Senzo Mchunu previously revealed that investigations found no witnesses, suspects, or foreign DNA on the child. “DNA testing was done on the victim as per procedure, and the outcome was that no foreign DNA could be found,” Mchunu explained. The case, which involved allegations that CweCwe was raped at Bergview College in Matatiele, Eastern Cape, triggered nationwide protests under the #JusticeForCwecwe campaign.

Those who participated in the marches expressed anger and disbelief at the NPA’s decision. Lerato Masedi, a protester from Johannesburg, said, “We tried to fight for justice, to give a little girl justice. To hear that the case has been dropped is so disheartening because a little girl will grow up knowing that s system that was supposed to protect her, failed her.” Kearabetswe Mmamatela, another demonstrator in the Vereeniging march, questioned the investigation’s thoroughness, asking, “How is there no evidence when the child was hurt? Hearing the mother tell the reality of what happened to her daughter was not evidence?”

While the NPA maintains that prosecution cannot proceed without sufficient evidence, advocacy groups are pushing for an independent review.

The case remains a highly charged issue, with growing calls for authorities to revisit the investigation.

As public pressure mounts, the NPA may face further scrutiny over its handling of the matter.

This is a developing story. Updates will follow as more information becomes available.

Author: Makhosazana Radebe