South Africa is reeling from yet another horrific crime that has shaken the nation.
A seven-year-old girl was allegedly raped in Matatiele, Eastern Cape, in October, and the case remains unresolved.
Now, a heated debate has erupted after lobby group AfriForum decided to represent a school principal linked to the case.
The move has sparked widespread outrage, with many questioning AfriForum’s motives.
Mbalula Accuses AfriForum of Protecting Suspects
Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday, ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula did not hold back in his criticism of AfriForum.
He accused the organization of siding with the accused rather than supporting the victim.
“We are outraged and deeply saddened by the brutal violation of a seven-year-old child in Matatiele,” Mbalula stated, emphasizing that such crimes highlight the ongoing battle against gender-based violence in South Africa.
“It is a moral indictment of our society that predators still find refuge in institutions meant to safeguard children.
More disgraceful is the involvement of organisations like AfriForum, who shield suspects rather than stand for justice.”
Mbalula stressed that in cases like these, the focus should be on justice, not race or political divisions.
He urged South Africans to stand united against such horrific acts.
Nationwide Protests Demand Justice
The incident has triggered widespread protests, with political parties such as the EFF and the MK Party joining thousands of citizens in demanding justice.
In response to public pressure, the police have assured the nation that the investigation remains a priority.
Mbalula praised the solidarity shown by South Africans in their demand for justice.
“Enough is enough; we will not rest until every woman and child in South Africa is safe from such despicable acts.
We are very happy that South Africans, black and white, stood together in denouncing this act.”
Expressing frustration over the legal system, Mbalula also made a strong call for tougher punishments against rapists.
“The constitution and the laws of this country have been strengthened.
If you get arrested for rape, you are not entitled to bail. These animals, the law must grind.
We need to deal with them harshly in terms of the law. A normal person can’t rape a seven-year-old; that’s an animal.
AfriForum then goes and defends such people—that is beyond animals, it’s cannibalism.”
AfriForum Denies Defending the Principal as a Suspect
AfriForum, however, has pushed back against Mbalula’s accusations.
Spokesperson Barry Bateman has dismissed claims that the group is defending a suspect.
According to Bateman, the principal in question has never been identified as a suspect by authorities.
“It is the unit’s understanding that he had no contact with the victim before the offence being committed, nor is there any evidence that the offence took place on school grounds.”
AfriForum insists its involvement is based on the principle of ensuring fair legal representation, not on defending criminal acts.
The Debate Continues
The case continues to stir strong emotions across the country.
Should AfriForum be involved in this case, or does its presence undermine justice? As the legal process unfolds, the nation watches closely, hoping for a resolution that prioritizes the well-being of the victim and reinforces the fight against gender-based violence.