Bergview College Principal Resigns Amid Rape Allegations

School Confirms PrincipalS Departure Amidst Rape Allegations

JOHANNESBURG – Bergview Collage in the Eastern Cape has amicably parted ways with its former principal, Jaco Pieterse, who was at the center of a national rape accusation involving a seven-year-old pupil.

School Confirms Principal’s Departure Amidst Rape Allegations

Bergview College and Jaco Pieterse mutually agreed to his departure, effective June 30, 2025, following his involvement in a high-profile, yet unproven, rape case.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) declined to prosecute Pieterse, citing “no conclusive evidence” of an assault on the child. This decision came after a period where the alleged incident captivated the nation.

• Bergview College and former principal Jaco Pieterse agreed to a mutual separation.
• The departure is effective June 30, 2025.
• The NPA found no conclusive evidence to prosecute Pieterse in a recent rape accusation.
• mr. T Cook will serve as acting principal until December 31, 2025.
• Pieterse has filed cases against individuals who accused him publicly.

Did you know? – South African law presumes innocence until proven guilty. The NPA’s decision highlights the high standard of proof required for a criminal conviction, even in cases attracting significant public attention.

In a letter to parents dated July 30, the school’s board of trustees confirmed the mutual separation. “A detailed interaction regarding this matter will be issued in due course,” the letter stated. The board also announced the appointment of Mr. T Cook as acting principal until December 31, 2025.During this interim period, the college will recruit a permanent principal.

Who was Jaco Pieterse accused of raping? Pieterse was at the center of an alleged rape case involving a seven-year-old Eastern Cape pupil that gained national attention.

Following the NPA’s decision, Pieterse initiated legal action. He opened cases of crimen injuria against ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula, Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema, and Eastern Cape MEC for Education Fundile Gade.These cases stem from their public accusations linking him to the alleged rape and falsely associating him with the crime.

Pro tip: – Crimen injuria involves unlawfully and intentionally impairing another’s dignity through the publication of defamatory matter. It’s a legal avenue for those falsely accused of crimes.

Even Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has as retracted and apologized for his earlier p

ublic statements linking Pieterse to the alleged crime. AfriForum’s private prosecution unit is representing Pieterse in his legal actions. A spokesperson for the unit stated, “Our current priority is to ensure the prosecution of those who falsely accused him of being a suspect in an alleged rape.”

Reader question: – Should public figures be held to a higher standard when making accusations, even before a formal investigation? What responsibility do they have to verify facts?