PHOTO: 7-year-old girl, CweCwe, raped after caretaker told her to sweep classroom where she inhaled burning tyre smell in Bergview College

Information reaching Kossyderrickent has it that 7-year-old girl, CweCwe, raped after caretaker told her to sweep classroom where she inhaled burning tyre smell in Bergview College.

Statement from COSAS:

FOR IMMEDIATE MEDIA RELEASE
26 March 2025

PUBLIC STATEMENT BY THE CONGRESS OF SOUTH AFRICAN STUDENTS ALFRED NZO REGIONAL TASK TEAM ON THE 7 YEAR OLD GIRL VICTIM OF RAPE ON THE SCHOOL PREMISES. READ MORE HERE

The Congress of South African Students (COSAS) Alfred Nzo Regional Task Team is
outraged and deeply disturbed by the reports of a 7-year-old learner who was allegedly raped
at Bergview College. It is even more alarming that, despite this incident being brought to
light in December 2024, there appears to be little to no progress in ensuring justice for the
child and accountability from those responsible.
We strongly condemn the lack of urgency and transparency in handling this matter. The
safety of learners in our schools should be a non-negotiable priority, and any failure to act
decisively in such cases only perpetuates a culture of impunity for those who violate our
children.

We demand:

1. Immediate and Public Accountability – The school, law enforcement, and the
Department of Education must provide a full report on what has been done since the
incident was reported.

2. Swift Justice for the Victim – SAPS must expedite investigations, and all suspects
must face the full might of the law. Delays in justice only revictimize the survivor.

3. Protection and Support for the Victim and Family – The child and her family must
receive all necessary psychosocial support, legal assistance, and protection from any
intimidation.

4. Stricter Safety Measures in Schools – Schools must be held accountable for
ensuring a safe learning environment. If any staff member at Bergview College was
complicit or negligent, they must be removed and prosecuted.

5. Community Mobilization- We call upon students, parents, and the broader
community to stand in solidarity and demand justice for this innocent child.

COSAS will not remain silent while the safety and dignity of our learners are trampled upon.
If necessary, we will mobilize protests and other forms of action to ensure this case does not
disappear into bureaucratic delays.

We urge all relevant authorities to act NOW. Justice delayed is justice denied!

Issued by:
COSAS Alfred Nzo Regional Task Team

Convenor
Yandisa Mntyingizane

Coordinator
Khazimla Talatala

For further enquiries please contact the RTT spokesperson Cde Ovayo Nyamazane on
0649788255