AfriForum pursues defamation charges over false rape allegations against Eastern Cape school principal

Civil rights organization AfriForum has confirmed it is moving forward with defamation charges against several high-profile political figures and officials who publicly labeled a school principal in the Eastern Cape as a rape suspect, despite police confirming that he is not under investigation.

This comes in the wake of a high-profile child rape case involving a seven-year-old girl, which allegedly occurred on school grounds in 2024. The case has gripped national attention and sparked widespread outrage. However, recent developments have revealed that the school’s principal, who was initially implicated by some politicians and members of the public, is not a suspect and was not present on the campus when the alleged incident took place.

AfriForum Takes Legal Action

AfriForum, a group known for pursuing civil rights cases and advocating for minority rights, is representing the embattled school principal and has stated that the damage done to his reputation and safety is severe and unjustified.

“The principal was publicly pilloried based on the fictitious claim that he had obstructed a police investigation into the rape of a child who attended the school,” said Barry Bateman, AfriForum’s spokesperson. “Such statements are not only damaging but entirely baseless, and we believe they were politically motivated.”

AfriForum

AfriForum has accused certain politicians of exploiting the situation for political gain and scapegoating the principal without verified evidence. The organization contends that the accusations have had serious consequences for their client’s personal and professional life.

High-Profile Figures Named

Among the politicians who could face possible prosecution for defamation are Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema, and African National Congress (ANC) Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula. These individuals made public comments in connection with the case, some of which allegedly implicated the principal.

Police have since issued a statement clarifying that the head of the school is not a suspect, and there is no evidence placing him at the scene during the time of the alleged crime. In fact, authorities confirmed that he was not on the school grounds when the incident occurred.

Demand for Apology and Possible Private Prosecution

AfriForum has also demanded a public apology from Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, accusing him of failing to correct the public narrative or intervene when damaging statements were being made about their client.

“Minister Mchunu has remained silent in the face of clear, incorrect slurs against the principal. This silence, in our view, amounts to tacit approval,” said Bateman.

Should the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) decline to move forward with a public prosecution, AfriForum’s private prosecution unit is prepared to pursue the matter independently. The organization has built a reputation for stepping in where it believes the justice system has failed victims or the falsely accused.

Political Fallout and Public Reaction

The case has sparked heated debates about the role of public officials in criminal investigations and the importance of verifying facts before making public statements, especially when the stakes involve the reputation and livelihood of individuals not proven to be involved in a crime.

Critics argue that political leaders must exercise greater caution and responsibility when commenting on ongoing investigations, particularly in sensitive cases involving children and allegations of sexual violence.

AfriForum maintains that while the original crime remains deeply troubling and deserving of justice, their client should not become a political scapegoat in the process.

The group says it remains committed to clearing the principal’s name and ensuring those responsible for spreading misinformation are held accountable.

As the legal battle unfolds, it remains to be seen whether the implicated politicians will issue retractions or apologies—or whether the matter will ultimately be decided in court.