AfriForum Demands Apology from Minister Mchunu Over Alleged Miscommunication in Bergview Case

AfriForum is calling on Police Minister Senzo Mchunu to issue a public apology for allegedly misleading statements made in connection with the Bergview College rape investigation involving a 7-year-old girl, Cwecwe.

The controversy stems from Minister Mchunu’s initial claim that the school principal had already undergone DNA testing—an assertion later disputed by both the child's mother and the local station commander, who stated that no such test had been conducted at that time. The conflicting reports have sparked widespread outrage, with growing calls for the minister to apologize or resign.

It has since been confirmed that the principal did submit a DNA sample as part of the ongoing investigation. Police also confirmed that DNA samples have now been collected from all three persons of interest in the case.

AfriForum’s advocate, Gerrie Nel, has raised concerns over the investigation process, arguing that the police’s failure to communicate accurately and effectively led to confusion and reputational harm. According to Nel, the misleading narrative around the principal’s cooperation resulted in public backlash and death threats against him.

AfriForum maintains that the principal’s safety was compromised due to the minister’s premature statements and the police’s lack of clarity, and insists that accountability is essential in sensitive cases involving children.