Outrage Erupts in South Africa Following Report of Child Sexual Assault

Anger boiled over as protesters forcefully pulled at the gates of the school where a mother alleges her 7-year-old daughter was sexually assaulted. They called for the immediate closure of the institution and threatened to set it ablaze.

In Matatiele, a small town recognized for its clean and orderly streets, the outrage has been mounting ever since videos of the mother, Thandekile Mtshizana, went viral. In these clips, she recounts her daughter's harrowing experience of assault at Bergview College.

The videos have garnered millions of views, bringing national attention to the case of the girl, referred to online by the pseudonym Cwecwe. This incident has become a focal point in South Africa’s ongoing struggle against sexual violence, challenging deeply rooted traditions of silence and shame. In rural areas like Matatiele, the story has resonated profoundly.

‘‘We refuse to accept things as they are this time,’’ said Thapelo Monareng, a retail worker who took leave to join the protest. ‘‘We are united in saying enough is enough.’’

Authorities have described the investigation as delicate and ongoing. According to a police briefing to Parliament in April, forensic tests found no foreign DNA on the girl’s body or clothing. Additionally, the initial medical examination was inconclusive, and no suspects have been identified so far.