Julius Malema faces prosecution for ‘child rapist’ claim in Cwecwe case

AfriForum’s Private Prosecution Unit has succeeded in persuading the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to prosecute EFF leader Julius Malema for crimen injuria after he allegedly branded former Bergview College principal Jaco Pieterse a “serial child rapist”.

The decision follows representations made by the unit on Pieterse’s behalf after a criminal complaint against Malema was lodged at Sophiatown Police Station in June 2025.

The complaint stems from statements Malema allegedly made on 6 April 2025 at the party’s Land Reclamation Day at the Sophiatown Extreme Park in Johannesburg, where he also suggested that the principal may have committed similar offences in the past.

The case involves a child who, according to her mother’s allegations, was raped at Bergview College in October 2024. Pieterse and the school caretaker – whom the unit also represents – became the targets of a social media campaign in November of that year after the NPA initially declined to prosecute the case due to a lack of evidence.

The decision confirms that no one is above the law and that political status does not provide protection against criminal prosecution.

Bateman said AfriForum would continue engaging with the NPA over complaints against ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula and Eastern Cape education MEC Fundile Gade, who were also accused of making similar allegations.

AfriForum’s Private Prosecution Unit remains steadfast in its belief that no person should be shielded from prosecution because of their political connections or status in society.