Malema to face prosecution over rape remarks made about principal – SABC News – Breaking news, special reports, world, business, sport coverage of all South African current events. Africa's news leader.

Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema is set to face criminal prosecution on charges of crimen injuria after lobby group AfriForum succeeded in its representations to the NPA over the April 2025 statements he made against a school principal, Jaco Pieterse, a former principal of Bergview College in Matatiele, about the rape of a minor.

Pieterse subsequently laid a criminal complaint against Malema in June last year; however, when a decision was not forthcoming, AfriForum’s private prosecution unit made representations to the NPA.

In correspondence seen by SABC News, the Gauteng Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) indicates that the representations were successful and an instruction has been issued to institute prosecutions in the Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court.

“The false allegations have not only harmed me but have also caused immense pain to my family and friends. I trust that this process will vindicate me and ensure that there is accountability for those who falsely accuse others of committing vile crimes without any regard for the consequences. I hope the court sends a strong message that there are consequences for making such reckless, false, and damaging allegations. I have become aware of many others who have experienced and experience daily similar pain because of the thoughtless behavior of so-called leaders. My hope is that this case will help protect the ordinary citizen against politicians and people in power and hold such leaders accountable.”