NPA slammed over decision not to prosecute anyone for alleged rape of Matatiele girl (7)
Prosecutors said there is insufficient evidence of rape for a successful prosecution in the case that captured national attention.
FILE: National Prosecuting Authority offices in Pretoria. Picture: Eyewitness News
JOHANNESBURG - Social justice organisations have slammed the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) over its decision not to prosecute anyone for the alleged rape of a seven-year-old girl on school grounds in Matatiele, Eastern Cape.
Prosecutors said there is insufficient evidence of rape for a successful prosecution in the case that captured national attention.
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Earlier in 2025, police confirmed that no evidence had been found on the minor.
Civil rights group, Not-In-MyName International, said the NPA’s decision highlights systemic failures in protecting South Africa’s most vulnerable.
The national leader of Forum for South Africa, Tebogo Mashilompane, believes the move will continue to erode public trust in law enforcement agencies.
“This case has proved beyond reasonable doubt that it will now be difficult for the victims of rape to report cases such as this.
“Our demand is that the minister of police and head of NPA must address the nation on this matter, on the failures, challenges, and the way forward.”