AfriForum Defends Bergview Principal, Praises Police in Dropped Rape Case

AfriForum’s Private Prosecution Unit has stepped into the public spotlight once again—this time defending the principal of Bergview College, Jaco Pieterse, in a highly controversial rape case involving a seven-year-old pupil from the Eastern Cape. While the Police have come under public scrutiny in previous high-profile investigations, AfriForum insists that in this instance, the Police conducted a “thorough and professional investigation”, contrary to accusations of negligence or failure.

The case, which ignited nationwide outrage, online activism, and protests under the hashtag #JusticeForCwecwe, centered on allegations that a young girl named Cwecwe was raped while attending Bergview College. The incident rocked South Africa, with civil society groups, media commentators, and political leaders weighing in.

However, in a stunning turn of events, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) declined to pursue the case, citing a lack of evidence to support the claim that the child had been sexually assaulted.

AfriForum Backs Police and Moves to Sue Politicians

On Friday, AfriForum’s legal division announced that it would be initiating defamation proceedings against certain high-profile political figures who, according to the organization, made false and reckless claims against Jaco Pieterse. These comments, they argue, have caused irreparable harm to Pieterse’s reputation, mental well-being, and career.

AfriForum’s spokesperson, Barry Bateman, strongly defended the conduct of law enforcement officials involved in the case.

“Claims that the Police failed in their duties are simply untrue,” Bateman said. “From the outset, the Police handled the matter with the seriousness it deserved. Within hours of the mother reporting the allegation on October 16th, she and the child were taken to the Thuthuzela Care Centre, where a full multidisciplinary evaluation took place.”

According to Bateman, the child was examined by medical professionals, interviewed by social workers, and supported by trauma counselors—all under the supervision of the authorities. Despite these exhaustive efforts, no medical or forensic evidence supported the allegations of rape.

While the Police submitted the docket in late November, and the NPA reviewed the findings thoroughly, the case was ultimately dropped due to insufficient evidence. Bateman pointed out that the Police’s work was ignored or undermined by continued public and political pressure.

“Even after the Police and NPA closed the case, it continued to be escalated to multiple forums—fueling a narrative that was never supported by evidence,” said Bateman. “We now have politicians using platforms to make damaging allegations without regard for due process.”

AfriForum argues that this behavior not only jeopardizes public trust in the Police, but also threatens the legal rights of individuals falsely accused.

For Jaco Pieterse, the aftermath of the allegations has been devastating. The principal has faced threats, public vilification, and immense emotional distress—all despite not being formally charged. The school community has also been affected, with parents, staff, and students caught in the crossfire of a highly publicized controversy.

“We respect the seriousness of all sexual assault allegations,” Bateman clarified. “But when the Police do their job and the evidence does not support prosecution, it is unjust and dangerous to continue making public accusations.”

AfriForum is now seeking to hold certain political figures accountable through legal action, aiming to restore its client’s dignity and promote responsible public discourse. The organization emphasized that while public outrage is understandable in such emotionally charged cases, it must not override the importance of due process and reliable investigations conducted by the Police.

This case has once again highlighted the delicate balance between public advocacy and legal protocol. Rights groups warn that undermining legitimate police work through unsubstantiated claims could lead to broader implications, including discouraging law enforcement from engaging in sensitive investigations.

As AfriForum prepares to challenge defamatory statements in court, it has made clear that it fully supports the integrity of the Police in this matter. While questions around the case’s public handling remain, what’s evident is that the Delta State Police Command, through the work of its investigators and the involvement of the Thuthuzela Care Centre, followed all necessary procedures to the letter.

Whether or not AfriForum succeeds in its legal action against the politicians involved, this episode serves as a reminder that allegations, no matter how serious, must be handled with care—and that the Police, when conducting proper investigations, deserve acknowledgment for their work.

Source- EWN