The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has confirmed that it will not prosecute anyone in the Cwecwe sexual assault case that was reported in Matatiele. This case, which was presented before the Matatiele magistrates court in November 2024, included suspicions of rape against the minor, but due to lack of evidence, no arrest was made.
The incident was reported to the Matatiele Magistrates’ Court and included information from the Matatiele Thuthuzela Care Centre. National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson, Advocate Mthunzi Mhaga, said after thoroughly evaluating the evidence, prosecutors decided that the available information did not support a successful prosecution, as no tangible evidence of rape or sexual assault was found following interviews and examinations of the minor.
The Eastern Cape Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Advocate Barry Madolo, reviewed the case and upheld the original decision made by the Matatiele prosecutors. The decision was then communicated to the police officers who submitted the docket for prosecution, although the DPP’s office did not issue a public statement at that time to avoid compromising any ongoing police investigations.
“However, in response to the public outcry and renewed interest in the case since it resurfaced in April 2025, the NPA has then chosen to share the details of its decision. The NPA has also confirmed that the police have since resubmitted the docket to the DPP’s office for further consideration” said Advocate Mthunzi Mhaga.
The NPA’s decision not to prosecute has raised concerns among community members, with some questioning the integrity of the country’s justice system .
