Mehmet Vefa Dag, the president of the Truth and Solidarity Movement, has called for a nationwide shutdown on Tuesday, April 8, in response to the controversial handling of the rape of a seven-year-old at Bergview College in Matatiele, Eastern Cape. The shutdown is set to begin at 5 a.m. with Dag urging all schools to close and for the country to cease all movement.
In a fiery statement, Dag also demanded the resignation of Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, accusing the Ministry of mishandling the investigation into the case. "Senzo Mchunu must step down," he declared, adding that "the principal of the school must be arrested," and calling for the release of details regarding an individual allegedly found in possession of child pornography.
"We will fight by all means on behalf of South Africa. I urge Senzo Mchunu to step down. This country is not alone. Our people are not alone. We as South Africans stand united against injustice, inequality, pedophiles, rapists, thieves, and killers. Enough is enough," Dag emphasized.
The controversy stems from the police's handling of the case, which has sparked widespread outrage on social media. In response to the allegations, Ministry spokesperson Kamogelo Mogotsi clarified statements made by Mchunu, saying that the Minister never claimed DNA samples from the principal had been taken. Instead, he stated that the principal was among the suspects based on initial reports.
Mogotsi further explained that DNA tests had been conducted, but only in relation to the minor victim, not the principal. He added, "The Minister gave a comprehensive briefing on Friday to take the nation into confidence on the investigation, wherein he mentioned that three persons of interest had been identified, and their samples taken for DNA analysis." Mogotsi also assured the public that the Major-General assigned to the case was working diligently to ensure a thorough investigation and that all relevant evidence would be examined carefully.
As the situation continues to unfold, the calls for justice and accountability grow louder, with many South Africans rallying behind Dag’s call for national action.