Tebogo Mashilompane
National Leader of Forum for South Africa – FOSA
By Tebogo Mashilompane
National Leader of Forum for South Africa – FOSA
Forum for South Africa is deeply perturbed by the decision of the NPA when it says there will not be prosecution of the rape allegations of a 7 year old Cwecwe.
This disturbing news defeats the purpose of fighting against statutory rape and protection of children.
FOSA is of the view that the delay in investigation, deliberately contaminated the case, as a result, the perpetrators went scot free.
Again, there are too many disagreeing views between all the parties involved.
Before the parliament committee, it was said that there was a lack of access to the child, so it makes it difficult for the police to do their job.
A week or so, the National Leader of FOSA, Tebogo Mashilompane spoke to Cwecwes’ mother through a telephone call that lasted around 40 minutes.
In this call Mashilompane wanted to establish if:
[1] Indeed Cwecwe’s mother was refusing with the child, [2] Whether the mother has evidence or proof from a medical doctor stipulating in clear terms as to whether the child was raped or not.
In this telephonic conversation, Cwecwes’ mother alluded to the fact that she has never refused with the child, what she required was something in black and white but that was not provided by the police.
On the issue of whether there was evidence that the child was raped, the mother said indeed the child was examined by a practicing doctor and it was found that Cwecwe was for sure raped.
The challenge here is that the delay in investigations, determined the outcome.
Also, the lack of will from the side of the police brought us where we are today.
This case of Cwecwe has proved beyond reasonable doubt that it will now be difficult for the victims of rape to report cases such as this.
Our justice system has collapsed and is corrupted by individuals who careless about the well being of children.
There is no such a thing of lack of evidence here.
It is lack of will, determination, dedication and focus.
The investigating officer failed in his or her duties in delivering justice for Cwecwe.
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.
Lack of prosecution and proper investigation by the police in this case will continue to erode public trust when coming to law enforcement agencies.
Forum for South Africa is dissapointed beyond explanation.
However, we will not fold our arms, we are determined to see justice, even if it means must prosecute privately.
Justice delayed is justice denied.