The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has announced that no one will face prosecution in the alleged rape of a 7-year-old girl in Matatiele, Eastern Cape, citing insufficient evidence.
The case, which sparked nationwide outrage last year, involved a minor known. The incident was alleged to have occurred at a school in October 2023, leading to protests and calls for justice. However, after reviewing the police docket, the NPA stated there was no conclusive proof of rape or sexual assault.
Lack of Evidence Halts Case
An NPA spokesperson confirmed that prosecutors in the Eastern Cape division declined to pursue charges after medical examinations and interviews with the minor failed to substantiate the allegations.
“After a thorough assessment, we found no evidence of rape or sexual assault,” he said. The NPA issued a statement due to the public outcry, though the decision was made as early as November 2023.
Contradictions and Public Outrage
The announcement has drawn sharp criticism, particularly after Eastern Cape Social Development MEC Bukiwe Fanta expressed disappointment, stating the outcome sends a negative message to victims of gender-based violence.
Further complicating the matter, South Africa’s Minister for Women and Children, Sindisiwe Chikunga, previously claimed medical reports indicated the child had been raped, possibly multiple times. However, investigators reportedly found no witnesses or forensic evidence to support prosecution.
Activists Fear Case Going Cold
Local activists and community members fear the case may now be abandoned. Protests erupted earlier this year over perceived delays, with demonstrators demanding accountability.
Police had assigned senior officials to re-examine the case following public pressure, but the NPA’s decision suggests no further legal action will be taken unless new evidence emerges.
Calls for Systemic Change
Activists are urging President Cyril Ramaphosa to establish a specialized task force to address sexual violence in the region, where multiple cases involving minors have been reported.
For now, the family of the alleged victim faces an uncertain path forward as the legal process reaches a standstill. The NPA has returned the docket to police, leaving open the possibility—however slim—of renewed investigation.
