The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has decided not to prosecute anyone in the Cwecwe alleged rape case. This is due to insufficient evidence to conduct a successful prosecution.
The 7-year-old girl, was reportedly raped in October 2024 at the Bergview College school grounds in Matatiele, Eastern Cape. According to the NPA, the case docket was initially submitted in November 2024 to prosecutors at the Matatiele Magistrate’s Court, as well as the case manager at the Matatiele Thuthuzela Care Centre. After reviewing the evidence, prosecutors concluded that there was insufficient basis to proceed with a prosecution.
NPA national spokesperson Advocate Mthunzi Mhaga said that this outcome was communicated to the police, who had submitted the docket, and it was returned to them. “At the time, the DPP’s office did not issue a public statement, citing concerns that it could jeopardise ongoing investigations,” he explained. “However, given the public outcry and interest generated since the matter resurfaced in April 2025, 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 said.
Last month Police Minister Senzo Mchunu announced that there were no witnesses or suspects and a medical examination found no foreign DNA on the little girl. “DNA testing was done on the victim as per procedure and the outcome of those who were dealing with the matter was that no foreign DNA could be found on the victim,” the Police Minister explained.
