Matatiele, Eastern Cape – Jaco Pieterse, the principal of Bergview College, who was falsely accused of raping a minor student, has initiated legal action against several high-profile politicians for their defamatory remarks.
Pieterse, represented by AfriForum’s legal unit, has named Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema, Eastern Cape politician Fundile Gade, and African National Congress (ANC) Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula in an affidavit. The charges stem from public statements that linked Pieterse to the alleged crime despite a lack of evidence.
False Allegations and Public Backlash
The case gained national attention after a mother accused Pieterse of assaulting her child in October 2023. However, a police investigation and medical examination found no evidence supporting the claim. Despite this, politicians and social media users amplified the allegations, leading to severe personal and professional consequences for Pieterse.
AfriForum’s legal spokesperson, Barry Bateman, stated that Pieterse’s life had been “uprooted” by the false accusations. “His career as a teacher has been destroyed, his family has been threatened, and he has been forced to leave his home,” Bateman said. Pieterse’s daughter was reportedly harassed on social media, with threats of rape if her father did not submit DNA samples.
Demands for Criminal Prosecution
Bateman emphasized that the legal action seeks criminal convictions, not just civil damages. “Politicians with large platforms must face consequences for spreading lies,” he said. “If found guilty, they should serve jail time.”
AfriForum also plans to pursue civil lawsuits against the accused politicians, as well as disinformation analyst Pumla Vanam, for allegedly fueling the false narrative.
Failure of Justice and Media Scrutiny
Bateman criticized the criminal justice system and media for perpetuating unverified claims. “The police conducted a thorough investigation and found no evidence of rape,” he said. “Yet, the allegations were repeated without scrutiny, destroying an innocent man’s reputation.”
Pieterse remains the principal of Bergview College but has not yet returned to work due to safety concerns.
What’s Next?
The case highlights the dangers of misinformation and the potential legal repercussions for public figures who make unfounded accusations. As the legal process unfolds, AfriForum vows to push for accountability, setting a precedent for how false allegations are handled in South Africa’s justice system.