Zoleka Qodashe17 May 2025 | 13:24

NPA says there's insufficient evidence for successful prosecution in Matatiele rape case

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has decided not to prosecute any individual in the rape case of a seven-year-old girl in Matatiele in the Eastern Cape.

NPA says there's insufficient evidence for successful prosecution in Matatiele rape case

Matatiele residents and various civil organisations marched to the police station to hand over a petition demanding justice for the children who've been raped in the area. Picture: Kayleen Morgan/Eyewitness News

JOHANNESBURG - The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has decided not to prosecute any individual in the rape case of a seven-year-old girl in Matatiele in the Eastern Cape.

Prosecutors said there was insufficient evidence for a successful prosecution.

Earlier this year, police confirmed that no foreign evidence had been found on the minor.

This follows a nationwide uproar following the mother's cries that her child got no assistance, with no arrests made in the alleged rape of the young child.

NPA national spokesperson, Mthunzi Mhaga said: "The said docket contained information with suspicions of sexual assault on a minor girl. Our prosecutors assessed the contents thereof and concluded that there was insufficient evidence upon which a successful prosecution could be instituted as no conclusive evidence of rape or sexual assault could be found after an interview and examination conducted on the minor."