Rape of 7-year-old EC girl: Mchuni says DNA results from 3 persons of interest expected soon
Earlier, it emerged that the school principal refused to provide DNA samples and instead enlisted the help of lobby group AfriForum to challenge the request.
FILE: Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu. Picture credit: @GP_CommSafety
JOHANNESBURG - Police Minister Senzo Mchunu says DNA testing on three persons of interest in the rape case of a seven-year-old girl in Matatiele, Eastern Cape, is underway with results expected soon.
The child was allegedly raped on school grounds last October, but the investigation has been marred by controversy.
Briefing the media alongside national Police Commissioner Fannie Nasemola, Mchunu acknowledged the challenges in the investigation.
Earlier, it emerged that the school principal refused to provide DNA samples and instead enlisted the help of lobby group AfriForum to challenge the request.
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Mchunu says initial tests found no foreign DNA in the victim’s body, but police have now identified three potential suspects while conducting further analysis.
“This is a case without witnesses, and it’s a case involving a minor. It’s a case where DNA, crucial as it may be, wouldn’t be comprehensive.”
Mchunu insists investigators have followed correct procedure while probing allegations that a seven-year-old girl was raped on school grounds.
Despite the difficulties, Mchunu says he remains confident that progress will be made.
“What has since become clear is that the investigation generally followed the correct processes, but of course, with challenges present, as I have indicated. This is a case without witnesses, and it’s a case involving a minor.”