Malema to face prosecution over rape remarks made about principal
Pieterse subsequently laid a criminal complaint against Malema in June last year.
Julius Malema, the leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), is set to face criminal charges of crimen injuria for remarks he made in April 2025 about a school principal, Jaco Pieterse. The allegations stem from Pieterse's claim that Malema falsely accused him of raping a minor. Pieterse reported the false allegations to the police in June 2024, but no action was taken until private prosecution group AfriForum intervened and made representations to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
The Gauteng Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has confirmed that the NPA has issued instructions to proceed with the prosecution in Johannesburg Magistrates' Court. Pieterse, the complainant, expressed hope that the process will vindicate him and send a message against reckless false accusations. He emphasized the pain caused to his family and friends and hopes the court will hold leaders accountable for their actions.
Written by urgent.news from SABC News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
