AfriForum accuses NPA of playing to public gallery in rape of EC girl (7)
The group was representing the caretaker and the principal of the school, where the alleged sexual assault took place, after members of the public suspected the pair of the child’s rape.
FILE: 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 - Lobby group AfriForum has accused the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) of playing to the public gallery in the rape of a seven-year-old girl in Eastern Cape.
The group was representing the caretaker and the principal of the school, where the alleged sexual assault took place, after members of the public suspected the pair of the child’s rape.
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The claims sparked national outrage when her mother recently spoke out on a podcast about the October 2024 incident.
The NPA has since dropped the case, citing a lack of evidence of rape.
AfriForum’s Barry Bateman said the group is now mulling its next move, hinting at a move to file counter-charges in the coming weeks.
“If the authorities fail to provide a clear explanation of what happened, it may set a precedent in which an aggrieved party with the ability to rally social media supporters, politicians, and lobby groups can direct an investigation and identify the suspects.
“This would clearly be an abuse of the criminal justice system and has provided an impetus to take action against politicians, social media detectives, and influencers who convicted our clients of rape.”