NPA decides not to prosecute in Cwecwe rape case

THE NATIONAL Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has confirmed its decision not to pursue prosecution in the rape case of a seven-year-old girl known as Cwecwe in Matatiele, Eastern Cape.

The child was raped, allegedly on the Bergview College premises, a private school.

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.

The assessment followed an interview and medical examination of the minor, which did not yield conclusive evidence of rape or sexual assault.

Subsequently, the Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) requested the docket for further review. After re-evaluating the case, prosecutors in the DPP’s office upheld the initial decision made by the Matatiele team.

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, the police dismissed accusations that the investigation into the rape of Cwecwe started only six months after the incident attracted the attention of the nation.

The police confirmed no suspect has been identified to date. 

Police Minister Senzo Mchunu said the investigation started as soon as the case was reported in October 2024.

“What we can say about the investigation is that it was not started after the activism of the public,” Mchunu added. “To say it took six months for SAPS is to dangerously exaggerate what happened. It can only serve to escalate the distance between SAPS and the people and the community they are serving.

National police commissioner Fannie Masemola said the investigating officer and forensic social worker were involved in the investigation from the beginning, immediately after the case was registered.