AfriForum pursuing defamation charges against officials who labelled EC principal a rape suspect
The lobby group, which represents the principal of a school that has been at the centre of controversy, said it was charging ahead with legal action over alleged defamatory statements made by the officials.
Picture: Thabiso Goba/EWN
JOHANNESBURG - AfriFrorum has confirmed its pursuing defamation charges against officials who labelled the principal of an Eastern Cape school a suspect or a rapist.
AfriForum is accusing politicians of seeking political gain at the headmaster’s expense.
Police have now clarified that the head of the school is not a suspect in the investigations of the rape of a seven-year-old girl in 2024, allegedly on the premises of the school.
Law enforcement has also confirmed that he was not on the campus where it’s alleged the incident occurred.
Police Minister, Senzo Mchunu; Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader, Julius Malema and African National Congress (ANC) secretary-general, Fikile Mbalula, are among some high-profile politicians who could face possible prosecution.
The lobby group, which represents the principal of a school that has been at the centre of controversy, said it was charging ahead with legal action over alleged defamatory statements made by the officials.
Spokesperson, Barry Bateman said, “The principal was publicly pilloried based on the fictitious claim he had obstructed a police investigation into the rape of a child who attended the school. If the National Prosecuting Authority declines to prosecute these cases, the unit will proceed with private prosecutions.”
AfriForum has meanwhile demanded an apology from the Mchunu for what it describes as remaining silent in the face of alleged incorrect slurs against its client.