Johannesburg – Julius Malema, the leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), is going to face criminal prosecution after accusing Jaco Pieterse, then principal of Bergview College, of raping a seven-year-old schoolgirl.
AfriForum’s Private Prosecution Unit announced that it has convinced the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) that Malema should be prosecuted for crimen injuria after branding Jaco Pieterse, former Principal of Bergview College in Matatiele, a serial child rapist.
In a statement made available to The Bulrushes on Women’s Day, Sunday, 9 August 2026, AfriForum’s Private Prosecution Unit said: “With the support of the unit, Pieterse laid the criminal complaint at the Sophiatown Police Station in June last year.
“When a decision to prosecute Malema was not forthcoming, the unit made the representation to the NPA.”
Similar criminal complaints were also lodged against Fikile Mbalula, Secretary-General of the ANC, and Fundile Gade, MEC for Education in the Eastern Cape, for making the same false allegation.
Barry Bateman, spokesperson of AfriForum’s Private Prosecution Unit, explained that the complaint against Malema stems from statements he made on 6 April 2025 at the party’s Land Reclamation Day at the Sophiatown Extreme Park in Johannesburg.
“At this event, Malema publicly claimed that a school principal raped a seven-year-old girl and alleged that the principal was being treated differently from other suspects,” AfriForum’s Private Prosecution Unit said in the statement.
“Malema also suggested that the principal may have committed similar offences in the past.”
The case involves a child who, according to her mother’s allegations, was raped at Bergview College in October 2024.
Pieterse and the school caretaker – whom the unit also represents – became the targets of a vicious social media campaign.
In May of last year, the NPA confirmed that it had decided not to prosecute anyone in connection with the alleged rape because “there is no evidence of rape or sexual assault after the minor girl was interviewed and examined by medical practitioners and forensic social workers.”
Moving to right the wrongs, Advocate Gerrie Nel, Head of the AfriForum’s Private Prosecution Unit, made representations to the NPA on 18 June 2026.
Today, the AfriForum’s Private Prosecution Unit said it has “succeeded in convincing” the NPA that the EFF leader, Malema, should be prosecuted for crimen injuria.
Commenting on the NPA’s decision to prosecute Malema, Pieterse – the former Principal of Bergview College – said the development lifted a huge weight off his shoulders and takes him another step closer to justice.
“The false allegations have not only harmed me but have also caused immense pain to my family and friends,” Pieterse said.
“I trust that this process will vindicate me and ensure there is accountability for those who falsely accused others of committing vile crimes without any regard for the consequences.
“I hope the courts send a strong message that there are consequences for making such reckless and damaging allegations.
“I’ve become aware of many others who have experienced, and still experience daily, similar pain because of the thoughtless behaviour of so-called leaders.
“My hope is that this case will help protect ordinary citizens against politicians and people in power and hold them accountable.”
Bateman revealed that the instruction has been given to the Chief Prosecutor at the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court to initiate prosecutions against Malema.
He said it was not yet known when the matter will be enrolled.
“While the private prosecution unit is satisfied with the decision to prosecute Malema, it will continue its engagements with the NPA to ensure that both Mbalula and Gade are also prosecuted,” Bateman said.
“The unit remains steadfast in its belief that no person should be shielded from pros
