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The principal of Bergview College in the Eastern Cape who was recently embroiled in a rape allegation that turned out to be false, has laid criminal charges against three politicians.
Jaco Pieterse was among those accused of alleged involvement in the rape of a seven-year-old girl, but the NPA declined to prosecute, and it was determined that the child had not been raped.
Police minister, Senzo Mchunu, also offered an apology to Pieterse, which he had accepted.
Barry Bateman, the spokesperson for Afriforum's private prosecution unit, said however that some politicians had continued to vilify Pieterse.
He said charges of crimen injuria were brought against EFF leader, Julius Malema, ANC secretary-general, Fikile Mbalula, Eastern Cape Education MEC, Fundile Gade at the Sophiatown and Boksburg North police stations.
In a subsequent statement 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.”
He said that the “false allegations” have had an “irreversible and devastating impact on every aspect of my life.”
Pieterse said the “trauma and losses” that he suffered would take years to heal, if ever.
Bateman said the politicians’ comments unjustly violated his dignity by accusing him of one of the most heinous crimes while also labelling him a pedophile.
“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 said.
