Protests & petitions as SA seeks justice for Cwecwe
A petition calling for justice for seven-year-old Cwecwe, who was raped at Bergville College in Matatiele, in the Eastern Cape, has gained over 670,000 signatures.
The outpouring of support continues, with a march scheduled in Cape Town on Tuesday.
Speaking at the Uyinene Mrwetyana commemorative lecture in Makhanda, Basic Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube said the incident, which occurred in October, has sparked national outrage after the school was accused of mishandling the situation:
“So this week has been very heavy for most of us. Cwecwe from Matatiele, not too far from here, was brutally violated, and her perpetrators are yet to be found and prosecuted.
“Schools are meant to be places of safety, places of learning, places where parents leave their children to get an education.”
Meanwhile, the principal of Bergview College in Matatiele has submitted a DNA sample in connection with the rape.
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu confirmed the development on Monday, saying he was one of three suspects implicated in their investigation.
Last week, the Eastern Cape Education Department served the independent school with a notice to deregister for its apparent handling of the incident.
Vuyiseka Mboxela, the spokesperson for Easter Cape Education MEC, Fundile Gade, said a rape case was opened in October 2024, but thus far, the matter has not yet made progress.
*Additional reporting by Algoa FM
