KIDS WANT justice for Cwecwe.
This is the call and support from children who want justice for Cwecwe.
The seven-year-old Cwecwe was raped at her school, Bergview College, an independent school in the Eastern Cape Province last year.
On Thursday, 3 April, children and teachers from Hope and Grace Christian Pre-school and children from surrounding areas picketed in support of Cwecwe in Ponong, Vosloorus, Ekurhuleni.
They sang holding placards with messages written as follows: "A country without justice is like a wound without a cure.
"Justice delayed is justice denied, Hope and Grace is crying for justice to be done".
A child who was among the picketers, Khanyisa Dyan (8), said they are picketing to pledge their support for Cwecwe.
"Cwecwe was taken to the hospital, and the perpetrators of the crime against her have not been arrested. I no longer feel safe as a girl child because of what happened to Cwecwe.
"I'm deeply saddened, and we are demonstrating today to show that we fully support Cwecwe and her family," said Khanyisa.
Another child, Unathi Zuma (8), mentioned that they are pained by the whole situation surrounding the alleged rape of Cwecwe.
"The justice system must extend its long hand to ensure the perpetrators of the rape are put behind bars.
"We are pained to hear that the perpetrators are still not arrested, we are saying justice delayed, its justice denied," said Unathi.
The principal of Hope and Grace Christian Pre-School, Masemola, said they are demonstrating to advocate for a child-friendly environment in South Africa.
Cwecwe's rights and childhood were violated in a place where she was supposed to be protected. The message that's spread by this whole incident is that parents are taking their children to school at their own risk.
"We are picketing because a lot of organisations have marched and a petition has been signed, but the evildoers are still free. We want to know from the minister of police why there's a delay in arresting the suspects," Masemola said.
She added that she believes that if it were not a black child, the suspects would be in the holding cells by now.
"We are saying justice delayed is Justice denied.
"What happened to Cwecwe is disturbing and painful because an innocent child suffered a lot," said Masemola.
Meanwhile, Childline South Africa has shared its voice and stance in solidarity with the nation to call for justice for Cwecwe.
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The Chief Executive Officer of Childline SA, Dumisile Cele, said in the statement that those responsible for her care and protection must be held accountable.
"It is imperative to understand how such a grave violation occurred under their watch.
"While we acknowledge the importance of allowing the South African Police Service the necessary time and space to conduct a thorough investigation, justice must not be delayed," said Cele.
She said the prolonged legal processes have historically weakened the conviction rates in child abuse cases, often denying survivors the justice they deserve.
"The legal system must prioritise swift action to ensure accountability and deterrence. Schools and other environments meant to nurture, educate, and protect our children too often become places where their safety is compromised. This underscores the urgent need to strengthen our country's Child Protection System," said Cele.
She added that as they raise their voices in pursuit of justice for Cwecwe, Childline urges that people must protect and safeguard the dignity and image of the child.
"It is crucial that the community refrains from actions that could cause further harm, such as sharing images or personal details about the child."
She said Cwecwe and her family deserve privacy and support as they navigate this distressing period.
"We call on the government to take decisive action by ensuring Cwecwe, her family, and all affected learners receive the necessary psychosocial support to aid their recovery.
"A responsive justice system that ensures swift arrests and appropriate sentencing is essential to deterring future crimes against children.
"Holding those entrusted with Cwecwe's care accountable for any lapses that led to this violation," Cele said.
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