JUSTICE FOR CWECWE

In October 2024, a seven-year-old girl, referred to as "Cwecwe," was allegedly raped at Bergview College in Matatiele, Eastern Cape, while waiting for transportation home. Medical examinations confirmed the assault, but the case was reported to the South African Police Service (SAPS) only a month later. The school's response was criticised for issuing a transfer letter to the family without offering support or initiating an internal investigation.

Public Response and Protests

The delayed reporting and perceived mishandling of the case sparked nationwide protests and a social media campaign under the hashtag #JusticeForCwecwe. Demonstrations occurred in cities like Pretoria, Cape Town, East London, and Braamfontein, with participants demanding government action against gender-based violence and the publication of the sex offender register. ​ A petition advocating for justice for Cwecwe garnered over 1 million signatures, reflecting widespread public support. ​

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Investigation and Legal Proceedings

Initially, Police Minister Senzo Mchunu stated that DNA tests on the victim did not reveal foreign DNA, leading to the case being dropped due to insufficient evidence. However, public pressure led to further investigations, and three individuals, including the school principal, were identified as persons of interest. The principal's initial refusal to submit a DNA sample and reports of seeking legal assistance from AfriForum further fueled public outrage. ​

Minister for Women, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, confirmed that Cwecwe had been raped and suggested the possibility of multiple incidents, indicating a broader issue within the institution. ​

Institutional Accountability

In response to the incident and the school's handling of the case, the Eastern Cape Department of Education announced the deregistration of Bergview College, citing its failure to provide a safe learning environment and lack of cooperation with authorities. ​

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Government and Civil Society Actions

The government has faced criticism for its handling of the case, with calls for greater transparency and accountability. Civil society organisations, including the Loyiso Lindani Foundation and Not In My Name International, have been instrumental in mobilising public support and advocating for systemic reforms to address gender-based violence in educational institutions. ​

The #JusticeForCwecwe movement underscores the urgent need for comprehensive measures to protect children from sexual abuse, ensure swift and transparent investigations, and hold perpetrators accountable.