AfriForum’s private prosecution unit will accompany the principal of Bergview College, Jaco Pieterse, as he lays a crimen injuria complaint against senior political figures who allegedly defamed him following the rape of a seven-year-old pupil, known publicly as Cwecwe.
Pieterse claims that ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula, EFF leader Julius Malema, and Eastern Cape Education MEC Fundile Gade falsely accused him of rape — allegations he says have severely damaged his reputation and personal life.
According to AfriForum, the move comes after the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) officially declined to prosecute Pieterse or the school’s caretaker, citing a lack of evidence to support charges of rape or sexual assault.
Pieterse, speaking through his legal team, expressed deep frustration over what he described as “politically motivated defamation” that persisted even after he was cleared by the justice system.
“This has not only affected my career and reputation, but it has also caused unimaginable distress to my family and the entire school community,” he said.
AfriForum’s private prosecution head, Advocate Gerrie Nel, confirmed the group’s involvement and stated that the remarks made by the political leaders in question constituted a serious violation of Pieterse’s dignity and could not go unchallenged.
The charges of crimen injuria — a common law offence involving the unlawful, intentional, and serious violation of the dignity or privacy of another — are expected to be filed at a police station in the Eastern Cape later this week.
The case has reignited debate around political rhetoric, due process, and the public’s right to information in cases involving minors and sensitive criminal allegations.