Civil society and organisations has weighed in on the lack of progress of a girl that was allegedly raped at a private school in the Eastern Cape in October 2024.
The learner known as CweCwe from Bergview College, was reportedly
raped, with three individuals, including the school principal, identified as
suspects.
According to the police ministry, the Investigating Officer
has collected all necessary statements, and DNA tests have been carried out.
‘’The Senior State Prosecutor will be consulted in the
course of the coming week whereafter, the family will be provided with feedback
on the matter. The Ministry wishes to assure the public that law enforcement is
actively investigating both matters. The investigations are being handled with
the utmost seriousness and priority. The South African Police Service (SAPS) is
working diligently to ensure that justice is served and that those responsible
are held accountable. While the Ministry acknowledges the public's desire for
swift action, it is essential to allow the investigation to follow due process
in order to ensure fairness, thoroughness and justice.’’
NPO, Malihambe Women Outreach, called for justice to be
served.
‘’Taking a serious consideration of a lot of factors into
minor victim’s case we note the Children’s Act (Act 38 of 2005)which speaks to
Parental Responsibilities, however it does not permit the school not to have
Safety Plan for the learners and crime prevention for our schools to be a safe
environment for our children,it is a serious concern now that we are soon approaching
Child Awareness Month and Prevention (April),’’ said Nosipho Daniels, Activist:
GBV & Social Justice.
‘’We stand in solidarity with the family and community at
large in calling for justice to be served for the learner and all necessary
charges be clearly stated on the charge sheet,’’ she added.
Malihambe Women Outreach NPO called upon the National Prosecution
Authority (NPA) to enforce the suspect (School Principal) by requesting the
court to order a Warrant/Subpoena in order for his samples to be taken for the
process and proceeding s of the court and further investigations to be
conducted until the perpetrator is found.
Organisation, Ilitha Labantu, echoed malimbe’s sentiments
expressing is outrage
‘’A horrifying crime that underscores the ongoing crisis of
violence against children in South Africa. The attack on a child is an
indictment of the systemic failures that continue to leave women and children
vulnerable to brutal crimes with little to no accountability for perpetrators,’’
said Siyabulela Monakali, Ilitha Labantu Communications Manager.
‘’This blatant obstruction of justice is unacceptable and
raises serious concerns about the handling of sexual violence cases within
educational institutions… We demand immediate action from law enforcement
agencies to ensure a swift and thorough investigation, leading to the arrest
and prosecution of the perpetrator. The principal’s refusal to cooperate with
authorities must be met with legal consequences, and all those complicit in
obstructing justice should be held accountable. There can be no excuses—justice
delayed is justice denied.’’
‘’We also call on the government to strengthen child
protection measures and ensure that cases of sexual violence against children
are prioritized. It is unacceptable that so many survivors are forced to endure
prolonged trauma due to delayed investigations and an overburdened justice
system. The safety and well-being of children must be non-negotiable. Ilitha
Labantu urges community members, civil society organizations, and policymakers
to take a stand. We will continue to monitor this case and push for accountability
at every level. The time for empty promises is over real action is needed to
protect the most vulnerable members of our society,’’ concluded Monakali.
Done by: Elona Sibunzi
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