Cwecwe update: SAPS condemns ‘online investigators’ for ‘putting lives at risk’
Clement Manyathela gets and update on two high profile cases: Justice for Cwecwe and the search for James Tshoaeli also known as Tiger.
Thousands of demonstrators have taken to the streets of Cape Town joining a nationwide shutdown of the Education Department offices on 1 April 2025, calling for Justice for CweCwe. Picture: Screenshot
702’s Clement Manyathela speaks with Athlenda Mathe, National Spokesperson for the South African Police Service and Barry Bateman, Spokesperson for the Afriforum Public Prosecution Unit, about two key cases currently under investigation.
Listen below:
Cwecwe case:
7-year-old Cwecwe was allegedly raped at her school in October of last year.
Mathe states that this case is very complicated and sensitive, especially since no DNA was found on the child or any of her belongings.
“From a point of departure made it very difficult for the investigating officers to make headway in this case.”
- Athlenda Mathe, National Spokesperson for the South African Police Service
Despite the complications, she states that the police officers in this case should have made greater efforts and been provided with more resources.
The police have gathered DNA from three persons of interest, which may be useful to determine if any of these individuals are already in their database.
“If there is a positive link, we follow that lead.”
- Athlenda Mathe, National Spokesperson for the South African Police Service
Rumours online have claimed the principal of the school is a suspect, which Mathe says is not true.
Bateman asserts that the principal was requested by SAPS to provide a DNA sample without justification.
RELATED: DNA testing of three people of interest underway in Cwecwe case
Mathe has also called for ‘social media investigators’ to stop pointing fingers at people before arrest or appearing in court.
“You are putting people’s lives at risk.”
- Athlenda Mathe, National Spokesperson for the South African Police Service
Tiger case:
James Tshoaeli, also known as Tiger, is an alleged illegal mining ringleader.
He evaded arrest in January after emerging from an abandoned mine in Stilfontein.
Mathe confirms that four police officers have been arrested for their alleged involvement in Tiger’s escape.
All four have pleaded not guilty.
“Two of them have been suspended and two are still at work but have been removed from the operation.”
- Athlenda Mathe, National Spokesperson for the South African Police Service
“No one has been cleared yet.”
- Athlenda Mathe, National Spokesperson for the South African Police Service
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The search for Tshoaeli is ongoing.
Mathe states they are confident in the investigating team's ability to discover what has happened.
Scroll up to the audio player for more.