Mchunu vows action on Bergview College rape

POLICE Minister Senzo Mchunu and SAPS have reassured the public that they are handling the rape of a 7-year-old child, Cwecwe, at Bergview College, in the East-ern Cape with the utmost seriousness and priority after outcry. Civil organisations, Not In My Name International and the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Youth League are two of a growing number of groups speaking out following the rape of a young girl, Cwecwe, which has caught the coun-try’s attention.

- THEOLIN TEMBO

The young girl was allegedly attacked on the school premises, while waiting for safe transport. The incident was reported to police in October last year, but no arrests were made. Not In My Name International’s secretary-general, Themba Masango, has called the incident an abhorrent crime that demands imme-diate and unwavering action.

“Law enforcement must prioritise this case urgently, ensuring a trauma-in-formed approach to avoid re-victimisa-tion. Specialised child protection units should lead the investigation, working alongside social services and forensic experts to gather evidence meticulously,” Masango said.

“Perpetrators must be swiftly identi-fied and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, with the judicial process respecting the victim’s rights to privacy and dignity.”

The MK Youth League added that they are deeply disturbed by the princi-pals actions, who “failed to inform the Department of Education or other rele-vant authorities about the crime.”