South Africa’s Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has tried to reassure people that a “thorough investigation” is now “fully under way” into the alleged sexual abuse of a seven-year-old girl that has sparked nationwide protests.

Outraged citizens have been calling for justice for Cwecwe – the pseudonym given to the child to protect her identity.

The case was first reported to the police six months ago, but a lack of progress in the investigation prompted Cwecwe’s frustrated mother to speak out on the matter.

South Africa has one of the highest rates of sexual violence in the world, with rape being the most reported crime against children.

Speaking at a briefing on Friday, Mchunu confirmed that the matter was first reported to police on 16 October last year.

A medical examination was then carried out, alongside an assessment by a social worker. But a month later prosecutors declined to take the matter forward “citing insufficient evidence as the reason” and based on what was in the police case file at the time.