Police minister apologises to principal in Cwecwe matter
AfriForum’s private prosecution unit says it welcomes Police Minister Senzo Mchunu’s apology after falsely identifying Bergview College principal, Jaco Pieterse, as a suspect in alleged rape of a seven-year-old child in the school.
The seven-year-old child known as Cwecwe was raped, allegedly at the school in Matatiele, Eastern Cape in October last year but the case only attracted huge attention in March this year.
In the letter, Mchunu takes full responsibility for issuing a statement based on what he heard instead of seeking the truth, where it was later confirmed that the information he heard was inaccurate.
Mchunu’s apology came as the unit announced its client’s intentions to file cases of criminal defamation against him and other politicians.
“This debacle was entirely avoidable. This unfortunate incident has highlighted the importance of following due process and allowing police to conduct their investigation without interference from social media detectives, ill-informed politicians and state officials,” said AfriForum spokesperson, Barry Bateman.
Bateman said the false allegations against Pieterse, and others hampered the proper administration of justice.
He said, despite being vilified, AfriForum’s Private Prosecution Unit will remain undeterred in its objective to ensure that justice is served without fear.
Meanwhile, Pieterse says that although the apology has been welcomed, many falsehoods and distortions are still circulating.
“The false accusation of rape against me has had devastating consequences on every aspect of my life. Personally, my family and I have suffered immense psychological trauma and threats to our safety and lives, and were forced into hiding, abandoning our home, losing peace of mind, and normal family life,” he said.
AfriForum said they will continue to advise Pieterse as he seeks criminal accountability for the politicians and prominent people who falsely of a crime he was allegedly not part of.
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