May 19, 2025
MATETIELE- Social justice organizations have strongly condemned the National Prosecuting Authority’s(NPA) decision not to prosecute anyone in connection with the alleged rape of a 7-year-old girl on school grounds in Matatiele.
The NPA cited insufficient evidence to secure a successful prosecution.
Furthermore, Civil rights groups including Not-In-MyName International argue that this decision highlights systemic failures in protecting vulnerable individuals in South Africa.
National leader of Forum for South Africa Tebogo Mashilompane expressed concerns that the decision will erode public trust in law enforcement agencies.
“The victims of rape will find it increasingly difficult to report such cases. We demand that the Minister of Police and the head of the NPA address the nation on this matter, outlining the failures, challenges and way forward.”
The case has sparked widespread outrage on social media and calls for accountability.