NPA confirm they have dropped Cwecwe case

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has confirmed that no one will be prosecuted in a controversial sexual assault case involving a minor girl in Matatiele, Eastern Cape, citing a lack of evidence.

According to the NPA, the case docket was first submitted to prosecutors at the Matatiele Magistrates Court and the Thuthuzela Care Centre in November 2024.

The docket contained allegations suggesting possible sexual assault

After carefully assessing evidence, including an interview and medical examination of the minor, prosecutors found no conclusive evidence of rape or sexual assault.

The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in the Eastern Cape later called for a review of the case.

Prosecutors at the DPP’s office re-examined the file and ultimately agreed with the initial decision: there was not enough evidence to pursue a criminal case.

The decision was communicated to the police, and the docket returned.

At the time, the DPP’s office chose not to make a public statement, as doing so might have compromised any ongoing police investigation.

After the matter resurfaced and sparked public outrage in April 2025, the NPA decided to go public with its explanation.

“We confirm that prosecutors found insufficient evidence to proceed with prosecution in this matter. The case was reviewed more than once, and the decision remained the same,” said NPA national spokesman Advocaate Mthunzi Mhaga.

The NPA also revealed that the police have since resubmitted the docket for further consideration by the DPP.

Authorities stressed that while no charges have been brought forward at this stage, police investigation are ongoing.