Bergview principal lays charges against Malema and Mbalula over Cwecwe rape claims

The principal of Bergview College in Matatiele, Jaco Pieterse, says his whole existence has been affected by the allegations that he is linked to the rape of 7-year-old Cwecwe.

The incident drew national and international outrage after the child’s mother revealed in a podcast that her daughter was allegedly raped on school grounds in October last year.

Today, Pieterse, supported by his legal team from AfriForum, laid charges of crimen injuria against ANC Secretary-General, Fikile Mbalula, EFF leader, Julius Malema, and Eastern Cape Education MEC Fundile Gade.

Pieterse and AfriForum accuse the three politicians of defaming him by publicly and falsely accusing him of rape.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) later dropped the case, citing insufficient evidence for a successful prosecution last month.

The NPA’s decision came on the back of Police Minister Senzo Mchunu’s revelations that there were no witnesses in the case and no foreign DNA had been found on the little girl.

Despite this, Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and People with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, previously revealed that a medical report indicated Cwecwe had been raped multiple times.

Pieterse says this should serve as a lesson for people to refrain from making unfounded allegations on public platforms.

“It is life changing. All aspects of my life have been affected; my professional career; personal life, physical, emotional, family life and my whole existence.”

The principal says he has not yet returned to his duties due to the school still taking precautionary measures.

AfriForum’s spokesperson, Barry Bateman, says there must be consequences for people who make false accusations that are life altering.

He says Mbalula went as far as referring to Pieterse as “an animal”.

Bateman echoed Pieterse’s sentiments that his dignity has been impaired.

“We had these individuals refer to Mr Pieterse as a rapist, we are not even going as far as alleged. He was labelled a pedophile, this is a teacher who’s career is in the care of children and he has been accused of one of the most heinous crimes.”