Police have confirmed that DNA samples have now been collected from all three individuals of interest in the ongoing rape investigation involving a seven-year-old girl, referred to publicly as Cwecwe.
School principal finally cooperates with authorities
This includes the school principal at Bergview College, who had previously refused to cooperate with the investigation.
The principal’s compliance comes months into the probe and only after significant pressure from civil society groups and public outcry. Initially criticised for failing to report the incident and for not submitting to DNA testing, the principal has now joined the school transport driver and caretaker in providing samples.
Speaker of the Eastern Cape provincial legislature, Helen Sauls August, welcomed the development but expressed frustration over the delay.
“We welcome this update, noting that the DNA samples have finally been collected from all of the suspects so that, at the end of the day, we can have justice for Cwecwe,” she said.
She called for all three individuals to be suspended and kept off school premises while the investigation continues.
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu previously confirmed that the three individuals were considered suspects.
He stated that all relevant witness statements had been collected, and the matter has now been escalated to a senior state prosecutor for review.
What’s the latest in the Cwecwe rape case?
The case stems from an incident on 14 October 2024, when seven-year-old Cwecwe returned home from school in pain. Her mother later discovered injuries that were confirmed by doctors to be the result of sexual assault.
The child said a staff member had asked her to sweep a classroom while she waited for her ride, and she later woke up to find that someone else had arrived to pick her up.
After the attack was reported, the family accused the school of failing to assist. The principal allegedly removed the child from the school via a transfer letter—without the family’s request—and was unresponsive during early stages of the investigation.
These actions were widely condemned by advocacy groups like Not In My Name International and the MK Youth League, who called them obstructive and harmful.
The Eastern Cape Department of Education has since started the process of deregistering Bergview College, citing its failure to provide a safe environment.
Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube has been briefed, and the department is working to relocate learners to other schools.
The investigation is ongoing, with the public awaiting DNA results and further action from the state prosecutor’s office.
If you or someone you know needs support, contact the Childline South Africa helpline at 0800 055 555 or the GBV Command Centre at 0800 428 428. Swisher Post stands firmly against all forms of abuse and urges anyone affected to seek professional help.
