Bergview principal to file charges over false rape claim
AfriForum’s Private Prosecution Unit will on Friday accompany Bergview College principal, Jaco Pieterse, to open a case of crimen injuria
The charges will be filed against ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula, EFF leader Julius Malema, and Fundile Gade, the MEC for Education in the Eastern Cape.
Pieterse was falsely identified as a suspect in the rape of a seven-year-old girl, known as Cwecwe, in the Eastern Cape in March.
The National Prosecuting Authority later confirmed that Pieterse had been cleared as evidence linking him to the rape was insufficient.
READ MORE: No prosecution in Cwecwe alleged rape case
Police Minister Senzo Mchunu also came under fire for falsely linking the principle to the rape, but later apologised, saying he takes full responsibility for issuing a statement based on what he heard instead of seeking the truth.
READ More: Police minister apologises to principal in Cwecwe matter
AfriForum Private Prosecution Unit spokesperson, Barry Bateman, said false accusations have the power to devastate anyone’s life and career.
“I’ll give an example, Mr Mbalula referred to Mr Pieters as an animal and how can AfriForum defend an animal who rapes childrenm,” said Bateman.
He said politicians who have power in the public must face consequences when intentionally lying about people.
“Social media has been a difficult problem in this regard, and these accusations were repeated unquestionably, and Mr Pieterse, it has uprooted his entire life and pretty much his career.
“The people who made these false allegations must be convicted and face criminal charges. If that involves a custodial sentence, that would be preferable,” said Bateman.
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