Bergview principal lays charges against Malema, Mbalula for 'false rape claims'

THE principal of Bergview College, Jaco Pieterse, has laid criminal charges against ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula, EFF leader Julius Malema, and Eastern Cape Education MEC Fundile Gade after being publicly accused of raping a 7-year-old girl, known as Cwecwe.

- SIMON MAJADIBODU

The charges, which were filed at Sophiatown police station in Gauteng, include crimen injuria, intimidation, and contravention of the Cybercrimes Act.

Barry Bateman, spokesperson for lobby group AfriForum, which is representing Pieterse, told the media yesterday outside the police station that the allegations had devastated the principal's life and career.

"South Africa has a rape crisis, we have a child abuse crisis, and being falsely accused of committing such a crime against a child is devastating," Bateman said.

Last month, IOL News reported that the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirmed it would not pursue criminal prosecution in the case.