Johannesburg – Bergview College principal, Jaco Pieterse, falsely accused of raping a 7-year-old child, has taken the first step for redress against his accusers – African National Congress (ANC) Secretary General Fikile Mbalula, Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema, and Eastern Cape Education MEC Fundile Gade.
AfriForum’s Private Prosecution Unit, which represents Pieterse, on Friday 13 June 2025, said the principal has taken the “first steps towards holding politicians accountable for allegedly publicly violating his dignity by falsely accusing him of raping a child and inciting harmful public sentiment and violence based on these unfounded allegations”.
The unit said it accompanied Pieterse to the Sophiatown and Boksburg North police stations today, “where charges of crimen injuria were filed against ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula, EFF leader Julius Malema, and Eastern Cape Education MEC Fundile Gade”.
The unit said Mbalula and Malema face additional charges of violating the Cybercrime and Intimidation Acts.
Shortly after filing the complaints, 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.”
The case involves a child whose mother alleges she was raped at the Bergview College in Matatiele, Eastern Cape, in October of last year.
Pieterse and the school’s caretaker, whom the unit also represents, have been the targets of a vicious social media campaign started in November last year when the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) declined to prosecute the case due to a lack of evidence.
In April, after the unit warned him of criminal consequences, Police Minister Senzo Mchunu apologised to Pieterse for identifying him as a suspect when he was never considered such.
Last month, the NPA confirmed that it had decided not to prosecute anyone in connection with the alleged rape.
According to an NPA’s spokesperson, “there is no evidence of rape or sexual assault after the minor girl was interviewed and examined by medical practitioners and forensic social workers”.
In his affidavit, Pieterse asks that the rape docket be included as the first exhibit in his cases because it would serve as evidence of the scope and extent of the lies told about him, and highlight the lack of any reason for Mbalula, Malema and Gade to make the claims that they did.
Pieterse explained the impact the false allegations have had on his life.
“The consequences of the reckless and malicious statements made against me have had an irreversible and devastating impact on every aspect of my life,” Pieterse said.
“The trauma and losses I have suffered will take years, if ever, to heal.”
Barry Bateman, Spokesperson for AfriForum’s Private Prosecution Unit, said the politicians’ comments unjustly violated a man’s dignity by accusing him of one of the most heinous crimes.
“Pieterse was publicly labelled a paedophile, a label that in society’s eyes is among the most irredeemable and damning,” said Bateman.
“Pieterse’s case is especially serious because his job entails caring for children.
“We expect the police and the NPA to act with haste to ensure there is justice for Pieterse and his family.
“These are uncomplicated cases.”
Bateman added: “While evidence has been provided to the police, it is still available on media websites and social media platforms”.
