JOHANNESBURG — 22 September 2026 — ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula will face a crimen injuria charge over comments about former Bergview College principal Jaco Pieterse.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirmed the decision on Monday.
Mbalula will face the case in the Johannesburg Regional Court.
The case dates back to allegations made in 2024. A mother alleged that her seven-year-old daughter was raped at Bergview College in Matatiele.
However, the NPA later declined to prosecute anyone over the allegations.
The NPA said there was not enough evidence to support a rape or sexual assault case.
Mbalula’s comments
Mbalula spoke about the matter on 1 April 2025.
At the time, he criticised AfriForum for helping Pieterse.
He also spoke about the rape allegations at the school.
Later, Pieterse opened a crimen injuria case against Mbalula.
The charge deals with the unlawful harming of another person’s dignity.
After that, the matter went back to the NPA for review.
The NPA has now decided to prosecute Mbalula.
As a result, Mbalula will face the charge in court.
Malema also faces a case
Meanwhile, EFF leader Julius Malema also faces a crimen injuria case involving Pieterse.
The NPA decided in August to prosecute Malema.
His case also relates to comments about the former principal.
In addition, Pieterse opened a criminal complaint against Eastern Cape Education MEC Fundile Gade.
Mbalula and Malema will therefore face separate cases linked to comments about Pieterse.
The court will decide
However, the decision to prosecute does not mean that Mbalula is guilty.
The same applies to Malema.
For now, both politicians remain accused in the cases.
The court will hear the evidence.
It will then decide whether the State has proved the charges.
