Bulelwa Hoala

The African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) released a statement on Sunday, 30 March 2025 calling for justice after a 7-year-old girl was allegedly raped at Bergview College in Matatiele in 2024.
In a statement posted on X the ANCYL said, “The ANCYL calls for decisive action following the horrific incident at Bergview College. We urge the Department of Justice to compel all male teachers and staff to undergo DNA testing.”
The ANCYL calls for decisive action following the horrific incident at Bergview College. We urge the Department of Justice to compel all male teachers and staff to undergo DNA testing.#ANCYLatWork pic.twitter.com/Z2Ho48oxVP
— ANCYL (@ANCYLhq) March 30, 2025
According to reports, the girl was raped at Bergview College on 14 October 2024 while she was waiting for her school transport.
Three individuals, including the school Principal, were identified as suspects.
The mother has revealed that no action has been taken by the school regarding the matter. Instead, the school reportedly issued the family with a transfer letter without being formally requested for one.
On Friday 28 March, Education Minister Siviwe Gwarube said she is aware of the rape case and is working with the Eastern Cape provincial Department of Education and police minister Senzo Mchunu to speed up the investigation.
“I assure South Africans, we are acting. I am thoroughly heartbroken by this. But the best we can do now is to ensure that justice is served for this little girl and her family,” Gwarube said on X.
Meanwhile, the Eastern Cape Education Department also announced that it has issued a notice with the intention to deregister Bergview College.
“The Department views the case in a serious light and has sought to take action in the interest of all learners from the school. The Department has therefore taken a decision to withdraw the registration of Bergview college as a school in the province.
The Department visited the school this morning to deliver the letter. The school representatives and signed to acknowledge receipt,” the Department confirmed in a statement.
The Department says the decision will become effective within 24 hours and that it will start the process of placing learners from Bergview College in other schools in the area.
The Police ministry on Saturday, 29 March assured the public that the matter is being actively investigated and said, “All outstanding statements have since been obtained by the Investigating Officer. DNA tests have also been conducted. The Senior State Prosecutor will be consulted in the course of the coming week whereafter, the family will be provided with feedback on the matter.”
READ NEXT: Inside ‘The Ones with Tbose’ launch event



