National shutdown planned over the handling of Cwecwe's rape case

AS the investigation into the rape of seven-year-old Cwecwe continues, some organisations are planning a national shutdown over the police ministry's handling of the case. 

This comes after Police minister Senzo Mchunu announced that DNA tests were conducted on samples retrieved from the victim and no foreign DNA was found.

"DNA testing was done on the victim as per procedure and the outcome was that no foreign DNA had been found. Three persons of interest have since emerged and further DNA testing is under way," Mchunu said.

This caused an outcry on social media after earlier statements which the public believed implied the principal of Bergview College, an independent school in the Eastern Cape, was a person of interest. 

At the time, Mchunu said three individuals, including the school principal, had been identified as suspects in the rape of the little girl who was allegedly assaulted on the school premises while waiting for her transport.

“All outstanding statements have since been obtained by the Investigating Officer. DNA tests have also been conducted. The Senior State Prosecutor will be consulted in the course of the coming week whereafter the family will be provided with feedback on the matter,” Mchunu said at the time. 

On Sunday, Mchunu attempted to clarify that he did not make any statements that the DNA of the principal of Bergview College had been taken but, based on the initial report received, said he was among those suspected.

"He said that DNA tests had been conducted without providing any specifics - these tests were in respect of the minor," Ministry spokesperson, Kamogelo Mogotsi said. 

"The Minister gave a comprehensive briefing on Friday, to take the nation into confidence on the investigation, wherein he mentioned that three persons of interest had been identified, and their samples taken for DNA analysis. The Major-General deployed to ensure a thorough investigation is working diligently to ensure that all relevant evidence is carefully examined.” 

The Truth and Solidarity Movement called for a national shutdown Tuesday and for Mchunu’s resignation over the handling of the matter. 

"If you're not going to help us, we will fight by all means on behalf of South Africa. I am urging Senzo Mchunu to step down. This country is not alone. Our people are not alone. We as South Africans are standing united against injustice, inequalities, pedophiles, rapists, thieves, killers. Enough is enough," said Truth and Solidarity Movement president, Mehmet Vefa Dag.

The Workers & Socialist Party (WASP) movement said: “GBVF is not incidental, it is systemic. It thrives under capitalism, which devalues women’s lives, exploits their unpaid labour, and protects powerful men while abandoning poor Black girls like Cwecwe. This crime reflects the grotesque power imbalance in our society: men in positions of authority act with impunity, knowing the system will shield them.  

“The fight for justice for Cwecwe must be a turning point. It must propel us toward a broader struggle against GBV, patriarchy, and the capitalist system that sustains them. Let this be a moment where the working class, the youth, the unions, and all those oppressed by this system join forces – to demand justice not only for Cwecwe and others who have been brutalised, but to build a society where no child, no woman, and no human being ever has to suffer such violence again,” the WASP said.

Additional reporting by Xolile Mtembu.

Cape Times