27 Apr 2026

The nation can rest assured that the government, through the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP), will ensure that the law takes its course regarding the death of 13-year-old Retshephile Tshedu of Sehithwa.

Minister for State President, Defence and Security, Mr Moeti Mohwasa, gave a statement Friday on concerns raised by the nation and ‘Justice for Tshepi’ petitioners recently.

On April 9, protesters marched to submit a petition to Parliament, demanding action from the police commissioner, the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, and other authorities on the death of Tshepi, who died on May 17, 2025.

Mr Mohwasa confirmed that investigations into Tshepi’s death had been completed by law enforcement authorities and the case file had been formally submitted to the DPP for review.

As such, Minister Mohwasa assured the nation that the DPP was expected to respond to the matter by May 15.

“Tshepi was only 13-year-old, with a promising future ahead, although no legal process can restore that life, accountability must be pursued for the sake of the family, the community and the nation,” said Minister Mohwasa.

He acknowledged the deep pain caused by the loss, describing the moment as one that demanded justice and systemic reform.

Cases involving minors, he said were handled with heightened sensitivity, including trauma-informed approaches to witnesses, corroboration of evidence and coordination with social services.

In addition to addressing the case, Mr Mohwasa outlined a series of proposed reforms aimed at strengthening protections and improving accountability within law enforcement systems.

Among them, he mentioned enhanced coordination between police and social services, safeguards against conflicts of interest in investigations, faster response times in violent cases and expanded trauma support services for victims and witnesses. He also announced plans to establish an Independent Police Complaints Commission, which would operate separately from internal police structures.

He said the body was expected to provide citizens with a platform to report serious offences such as abuse of power, rape and murder.

Mr Mohwasa said the reforms were part of a broader effort to rebuild public trust and ensure that such incidents were addressed with transparency and urgency. ENDS