South Africans Take to the Streets After Rape of 7-Year-Old Girl

Thousands of students, learners, and activists have marched across the country, demanding justice for the seven-year-old Eastern Cape girl raped at school in October 2024. 

Protesters delivered memoranda to education officials, urging the firing of the alleged rapist and faster police action. The South African Police Service (SAPS)  National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola tasked the head of the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Investigations Unit, Major General Mmantsheke Lekhele, to oversee the investigation into the rape. 

Eastern Cape MEC Fundile Gade plans to deregister the school involved for safety violations – a move the school vows to challenge in court. The victim’s mother, a police officer, was cautioned against speaking publicly as investigations continue. No arrests have been made.