File
Police said no foreign DNA was found on a 7-year-old Eastern Cape child whose case is at the centre of a national outcry over delays in bringing anyone to book.
National commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, said however that this did not mean that the sexual offence probe involving the minor known as Cwecwe is over.
Masemola and Police Minister, Senzo Mchunu, provided an update on the long-running probe on Friday, stressing that the investigation is still ongoing, but complex as it involves a minor.
He said, in response to questions from the media, that three people of interest were identified but emphasised that they were not suspects.
“Whatever leads we find, we will follow,” he said.
Meanwhile, Minister Senzo Mchunu, in appealing for calm, said the initial report indicated that the incident occurred in October 2024, with a case formally opened on 16 October following a medical examination and a consultation with a social worker.
“Based on what was contained in the docket at that time, the senior state prosecutor declined to prosecute, citing insufficient evidence as the reason; this was on November 2024,” the minister said.
He said it was noted from the report that the matter was complex, having been investigated by three separate officers, firstly the officer in Matatiele, before being transferred to a brigadier at the provincial office before being assigned to the current investigating officer.
Mchunu said after the handling of the matter by the various offices, one critical aspect that continued to present a serious challenge was the matter around DNA.
"DNA testing was done on the victim as per procedure and the outcome was that no foreign DNA had been found. Three persons of interest have since emerged and further DNA testing is underway," he said.
Mchunu said they also realised that they needed to reinforce the investigation team and dedicated officer is now on the case.
“What has since become clear from all the information was the following: the investigation generally followed the correct processes with challenges present.
“A thorough investigation is now fully underway, and I can assure you that we are consulting with all relevant role players to ensure that every aspect of this matter is examined carefully and comprehensively,” Mchunu said.
