Pieterse
By Lerato Mpembe
Jaco Pieterse, principal of Bergview College in the Eastern Cape, has laid charges of crimen injuria against EFF leader Julius Malema, ANC Secretary‑General Fikile Mbalula, and Eastern Cape Education MEC Fundile Gade for “publicly violating his dignity” by falsely accusing him of raping a seven-year-old pupil at his school.
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Background of the #JusticeForCwecwe case
In October 2024, a Matatiele mother alleged that her seven‑year‑old daughter—known only as “Cwecwe”—had been raped on the premises of Bergview College. The allegation sparked national outrage and the #JusticeForCwecwe campaign mobilised thousands across South Africa .
Despite public pressure, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) dropped the case, confirming that medical examinations and interviews revealed no evidence of rape or sexual assault . Police Minister Senzo Mchunu later issued a formal apology to Pieterse, acknowledging that he had wrongly identified him as a suspect .
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What charges have been filed and where?
On 13 June 2025, accompanied by AfriForum’s Private Prosecution Unit, Pieterse filed charges at both the Sophiatown and Boksburg North police stations . The charges include:
• Crimen injuria against Malema, Mbalula, and Gade for defamatory statements.
• Cyber‑Crime Act and Intimidation Act violations against Malema and Mbalula for spreading harmful allegations online  .
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Pieterse speaks out: “There are consequences…”
Shortly after filing, Pieterse said:
“While I am relieved that the truth has been revealed, I am determined to ensure that people understand that there are consequences for making irresponsible and false allegations on social media and other platforms.”  
He added that the baseless claims caused irreversible and devastating damage to every aspect of his life:
“The trauma and losses I have suffered will take years, if ever, to heal.” 
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AfriForum’s stance: dignity under attack
Barry Bateman, spokesperson for AfriForum’s Private Prosecution Unit, emphasised the severity of the situation:
• Pieterse was labelled a paedophile, a stigma “among the most irredeemable and damning” in society .
• As a school principal, having children’s safety entrusted to him, the accusation struck at the core of his professional and personal identity .
• Bateman called for swift legal action and urged that politicians must be held accountable for false public statements .
He encouraged criminal and civil proceedings to demonstrate that defamation—even rooted in public concern—has consequences.
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Politics and public comments: how it spiralled
The case triggered strong reactions:
• Fikile Mbalula criticised Pieterse at the Birchwood Hotel media briefing on 1 April 2025, calling him an “animal” and accusing him of shielding a rapist .
• Julius Malema, at an EFF rally, urged others to come forward, saying: “The principal who raped Cwecwe must know that we are coming for him” .
• Fundile Gade claimed Pieterse avoided cooperation, suggesting earlier or other investigations by police—allegations unfounded and untrue .
Statements circulated broadly across social and traditional media, further damaging Pieterse’s reputation .
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NPA clears Pieterse: full statement
In May 2025, the NPA announced that after interviewing Cwecwe and reviewing forensic reports, no evidence supported the rape claim, and the case was closed .
AfriForum noted that no arrests or charges were made because of this insufficiency of proof . The withdrawal of the case shows that the allegations lacked any foundation.
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Pieterse’s affidavit: highlighting falsehoods
In his formal affidavit, Pieterse requests that the initial rape docket be admitted as exhibit A, emphasising:
• The complete absence of physical or medical evidence linking him to any crime.
• The timeline: alleged 14 October 2024 incident, immediate internal school engagement, professional interviews, then NPA dismissal .
• The impact: uprooted life, removal from home, lost reputation, marital strain, and personal trauma .
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Effects on Pieterse and Bergview College
Since November 2024, Pieterse and the school caretaker have been under intense scrutiny. After the NPA cleared them, they remain represented by AfriForum .
The principal’s family still lives in fear. His daughter received threats; they have not yet returned home since March .
Despite the ordeal, Pieterse remains the acting principal and committed to giving his learners a safe and stable environment .
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Legal pathways ahead
Crimen injuria (insulting or violating dignity) is a serious offence. If convicted, Malema, Mbalula, and Gade could face fines or imprisonment. The Cyber‑Crime and Intimidation Act charges carry additional penalties for online defamation .
AfriForum also plans civil litigation against these figures, and against former DA MP Phumzile van Damme, who added to the spread of false claims .
Bateman stressed: “Politicians who lie publicly and destroy lives should go to jail.” 
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