Authorities Mobilize Senior Officials to Enhance Investigation in Matatiele Rape Case After 7 Years, Amid Demonstrations

Matatiele – The police chief has dispatched senior officials to “strengthen and oversee” the ongoing investigation into the alleged rape of a seven-year-old girl known as “CweCwe” in Matatiele, Eastern Cape.

South African Police Service (SAPS) National Commissioner General Fannie Masemola has assigned the Component Head of the Family Violence, Child Protection, and Sexual Investigations (FCS) unit to enhance and supervise the investigation.

The FCS unit consists of 176 branches across the nation, focusing on cases related to gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), electronic crimes, and sexual offences involving women, children, and other vulnerable groups.

This decision was announced on Tuesday, 1 April 2025, amidst protests calling for swift action against the alleged offender.

The mother of the child has publicly recounted how her daughter returned home late from school on 14 October 2024.

According to her, the first complaint of pain regarding her anus and an urge to use the bathroom was voiced during a community party on the evening of 15 October 2024.

The child awoke multiple times throughout the night due to severe pain.

It was not until the morning of 16 October 2024, when the child was unable to walk, that the mother examined her and found signs of serious anal trauma.

The mother described the injuries as if her daughter had a hole comparable in size to the cardboard tube inside a toilet paper roll.

In a TikTok video posted on 20 February 2025, the mother graphically illustrated her point using a toilet roll.

According to the Daily Maverick, Jaco Pieterse, principal of Bergview College, has denied any involvement in the alleged crime.

His legal team from AfriForum asserts that there is no substantial evidence linking him to the assault.

“Our client is being falsely accused. We are confident that no evidence will surface that proves his involvement in this incident,” remarked Advocate Gerrie Nel.

AfriForum stated that the suspicion surrounding the school was fueled by the mother’s highly publicized account, in which she claimed her daughter was sweeping a classroom and fell asleep, only to be awakened later by the arrival of scholar transport.

It is speculated that the severe violence inflicted upon the child occurred during her unconscious state.

In response to widespread outrage from political parties, unions, and the public, Major General Mmantsheke Lekhele, head of the FCS unit, was set to meet with the investigation team to ensure that due diligence was observed and that the chain of evidence was properly maintained.

Major Gen Lekhele was also scheduled to confer with key stakeholders, including the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), to ensure justice and the finalization of the case.

“Holding criminals accountable and ensuring that perpetrators face justice remains a fundamental priority for the SA Police Service (SAPS),” stated Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe.

“The SAPS reassures the nation that justice will prevail, and those found guilty of any offence will be prosecuted.”

“A detailed report will be issued upon the completion of the work undertaken by the team led by the Component Head for FCS.”

“The SAPS also calls for responsible reporting on social media concerning this sensitive issue.”

AfriForum has communicated with the Matatiele Police Station commander to affirm that it represents Pieterse and has yet to receive a response.

“Recognizing that our client is neither a suspect nor an accused, we clarify that we do not act as defense counsel but rather to ensure he is not victimized by an abuse of power or social media speculation that lacks concern for allowing authorities the time to ascertain the truth,” AfriForum emphasized.

“We urge immediate intervention as the SAPS’s failure to properly investigate this case and provide meaningful feedback to the complainant has cultivated an environment where false allegations have overshadowed the need to objectively establish facts and present evidence to the National Prosecuting Authority promptly.”

“While our client has no complaints regarding his treatment by the SAPS, he is troubled by how the investigation seems directed by a complainant, while a social media campaign has branded him as the perpetrator.”

“The silence from the SAPS has allowed misinformation to spread.”

AfriForum added, “We will guide our client in filing criminal defamation dockets against those who have unjustly identified him as a suspect, rapist, and speculated about his impending arrest.”

“We reiterate our client’s willingness to provide a buccal sample should the SAPS consider it necessary as part of their investigation.”

However, the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) National Women’s Structure has accused the principal of refusing to facilitate DNA testing and instead providing the family with a transfer letter, prioritizing the institution’s reputation over the child’s welfare.

“We are appalled by the alleged actions of the school principal,” stated Nthabiseng Mashiteng, NUM Women’s Structure National Secretary.

“Safeguarding the reputation of an institution should never take precedence over the immediate need for justice for a child who has undergone such trauma. We demand prompt and decisive action.”

The NUM National Women’s Structure appeals to the Eastern Cape Department of Education to:

• Implement strict measures to guarantee the safety and security of all learners in schools throughout the province.
• Conduct a comprehensive and independent investigation into the alleged incident.
• Immediate expulsion of the principal from Bergview College. Furthermore, the NUM Women’s Structure urges the Department of Justice to:
• Issue a warrant for the arrest of the individual implicated in the alleged rape.
• Demand that the individual provide DNA samples for testing.
• Ensure prompt and decisive legal action to hold the perpetrator accountable.