Justice for Cwecwe: South Africans Express Outrage Over Rape of 7-Year-Old at Bergview College
The tragic rape of a seven-year-old girl, identified as Cwecwe, has sparked nationwide outrage, with protests erupting across the country.
Social media is ablaze with calls for justice, and civil rights groups are demanding accountability.
The shocking incident occurred at Bergview College in the Eastern Cape, where Cwecwe was allegedly attacked while waiting for her transport.
Public anger has intensified following accusations that the school mishandled the case.
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Minister Confirms Suspects Identified in Cwecwe Rape Case
According to News24, Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu addressed the matter in a media statement on 29 March 2025. He confirmed that three individuals, including the school principal, have been identified as suspects in the case.
Civil Rights Groups Demand Justice
Civil rights movement Not In My Name has taken a stand, demanding swift justice and a thorough investigation.
Spokesperson Themba Masango emphasized the need for law enforcement to question and test all school staff to find the perpetrator responsible for the heinous crime.
Cwecwe’s Mother Speaks Out
Thandeka Mtshizana, Cwecwe’s mother, shared her pain and disappointment with DRUM magazine, revealing the horrifying details of her daughter’s injuries.
She also expressed frustration over the school principal and School Governing Body’s failure to check up on her family or provide any form of support.
“The teachers did check up on us as they knew what was happening, but, to my disappointment, the principal along with the [School Governing Body] members never bothered calling or checking up on us,” she said.
Nationwide Protests Against GBV
The incident has ignited mass protests across the country, with South Africans taking to the streets to demand justice for Cwecwe and highlight the ongoing crisis of gender-based violence (GBV) in the country.
Political parties such as the United Democratic Movement, COSATU, the Inkatha Freedom Party Women’s Brigade, and the Azanian People’s Organisation have joined the outcry, alongside high-profile media personalities pledging their support to Cwecwe and her family in their pursuit of justice.
Here are some of the reactions;
@mnelisi_zulu:
lo msunu must be arrested and they must make sure the pain she caused to Cwecwe is multiplied 100 times #JusticeForCwecwe
@ntshidi_ncumisa:
Whoever did this he deserve nothing but not live around humans coz he is an animal Leaving a trauma to a child.