The mother of the seven-year-old girl publicly referred to as “Cwecwe” was involved in a serious car accident on Wednesday while on her way to meet with the head of the police’s Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) unit.
Police confirm Cwecwe’s mother survived a car accident
Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe confirmed that it was a single-vehicle crash and that the woman is receiving medical care and support from the police’s wellness unit.
The engagement scheduled for the day between the police and the mother was postponed.
Mathe also revealed that the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) had given police the go-ahead to access medical records of the child. Several doctors have reportedly examined the young girl, and their reports will be essential to the investigation.
This car accident comes just days after police confirmed that DNA samples were successfully collected from all three people of interest in the case — the school principal, a school transport driver, and a caretaker.
The school principal had previously refused to cooperate for months, drawing public criticism and anger from civil society groups.
Speaker of the Eastern Cape Legislature Helen Sauls August welcomed the progress, though she lamented the delays and called for the suspects to be kept away from Bergview College until the investigation concludes.
Eastern Cape Education Dept rescinds decision to deregister Bergview College
In a new development, the Eastern Cape Department of Education has decided not to proceed with its earlier plan to revoke the operating licence of Bergview College.
Education MEC Fundile Gade confirmed in a statement that while the department initially planned to temporarily shut down the school due to safety concerns, the situation has changed.
After consultations with the police, social development, and justice ministries, the department has opted to leave the investigation to the justice cluster while allowing the school to continue operating for now.
This decision was made to ensure that the learners still attending the school do not face more disruption while investigations continue.
However, MEC Gade made it clear that the department expects full cooperation from the school and that all actions are now dependent on the outcome of the ongoing investigation.
The Justice Ministry is now screening all staff members at Bergview College, and the Department of Social Development continues to provide psychological support to Cwecwe and her family.
The rape case has sparked national outrage, and the community continues to call for accountability and justice.
With DNA evidence and medical records now in hand, authorities are one step closer to concluding their investigation and deciding on the next course of action.