SA system fails abused kids

RAPE: SCHOOL, COPS KICK INTO ACTION AFTER PUBLIC PRESSURE

- Thando Nondywana

Despite progressive laws and ongoing campaigns against gender-based violence (GBV), activists say South Africa is far from turning the tide on the crisis.

The recent case of a minor, known as Cwecwe, allegedly raped at Bergview College in the Eastern Cape, has ignited outrage over systemic failures in handling the case involving the seven-year-old.

Hundreds of people in Braamfontein took to the streets on Sunday under the banner Justice for Cwecwe, while a nationwide mass shutdown of various departments of education across the country was planned, including demonstrations to hand over a petition at the Union Buildings.

According to reports, since October when the incident happened, there has been no progress in the investigation.

DNA evidence was allegedly collected from the minor, while two of the three suspects have provided DNA samples for testing. However, the school principal refused to provide his DNA.

The incident reflects a broader failure of the system to protect vulnerable children, Shaheda Omar of the Teddy Bear Foundation said.