Bergville announce Jaco Pieterse has left their school

Bergview College has officially parted ways with former principal, Jaco Pieterse, who was previously accused of raping Cwecwe.

Pieterse found himself at the centre of a national controversy when he was accused of raping a seven-year-old pupil at the private Eastern Cape school.

However, the National Prosecuting Authority subsequently dropped all charges, stating there was “no conclusive evidence” that any assault had taken place.

The decision raised serious questions around the initial handling of the case and paved a way for Pieterse’s counter-offensive.

In a letter to parents dated 30 July, Bergview College’s board of trustees confirmed the school had “amicably parted ways” with Pieterse, effective on 30 June.

“A detailed communication regarding this matter will be issued in due course.”

“The board has resolved to appoint Mr T Cook as acting principal to 31 December, during which the board will recruit the services of a full-time principal in terms of Bergview College’s recruitment policy,” read the letter.

While Pieterse’s occupancy at Bergview has ended, his legal battle is far from over.

With the rape case dismissed, he has launched defamation proceedings against several high-profile political figures who publicly named him before charges were formally laid.

The targets of his legal action include ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula, EFF leader, Julius Malema and Eastern Cape MEC for Education Fundile Gade.

AfriForum’s private prosecution unit is representing Pieterse in what they describe as “a fight for accountability” following his public vilification.

“Our current priority is to ensure the prosecution of those who falsely accused him of being a suspect in an alleged rape,” said Barry Bateman, the unit’s spokesman.