The National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Fannie Masemola, has tasked the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Investigations (FCS) unit to oversee and bolster the ongoing investigation into the alleged rape of a seven-year-old girl in Matatiele, in Eastern Cape.
The FCS unit has 176 units across the country and its investigators are responsible for investigating gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) related cases, electronic crimes as well as sexual offences cases involving women, children and vulnerable groups. In a statement, the SAPS said the head of the FCS, Major General Mmantsheke Lekhele, has met with the investigating team to ensure due diligence was conducted in the case and that the chain of evidence was properly preserved.
In March, the Ministry of Police assured members of the public that law enforcement was actively investigating two separate incidences involving the rape of minors in the Eastern Cape. This came after the Ministry took note of calls on various social media platforms regarding the tragic violation of the two minors in two separate incidences in October and November last year. In both incidences, the suspects had been identified and arrested.
In the statement, the police said the Major General Lekhele would meet with persons of interests and key stakeholders, such as the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), to ensure justice and the finalisation of the matter.
“Bringing criminals to book and putting perpetrators of crime behind bars remains a key priority for the SAPS. The SAPS assures the nation that justice will prevail and those that are found to be guilty of any offence will be brought to book,” said the police.
It further added that a comprehensive report would follow on conclusion of the work of the team led by component head for the FCS.
“The SAPS also calls for responsible social media reporting on this sensitive matter,” it said.
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