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

Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema is expected to face criminal prosecution for crimen injuria after allegedly labelling a former school principal a child rapist.

The case stems from allegations that a seven-year-old girl, publicly known as Cwecwe, was raped at Bergview College in Matatiele, Eastern Cape, in October 2024.

Former principal Jaco Pieterse and the school’s caretaker became the targets of a social media campaign following the allegations.

Pieterse filed a complaint after Malema publicly called the former Bergview College principal a “rapist” at the party’s event in Johannesburg in April 2025 and maintained that he had raped the seven-year-old pupil.

But the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) later declined to prosecute anyone, saying there was no concrete evidence of rape or sexual assault after the child was interviewed and examined by medical practitioners.

AfriForum’s private prosecution unit then approached the NPA, which has now decided to prosecute Malema.

Pieterse said that the allegations have caused immense pain to him, his family and friends.

“I trust that this process will vindicate me and ensure there is accountability for those who falsely accused others of committing vile crimes without any regard for the consequences. I’ve become aware of many others who have experienced, and still experience daily, similar pain because of the thoughtless behaviour of so-called leaders.”

The chief prosecutor at the Johannesburg Magistrates Court has been instructed to initiate proceedings; however, it is not yet known when the matter will be enrolled.