The ANC has reacted strongly to the news that its secretary-general, Fikile Mbalula, will be prosecuted by AfriForum for allegedly falsely accusing a school principal of rape. ANC national spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu said the party will not allow a return to a time when black people were expected to be subservient. Bhengu described AfriForum's actions as an attempt to create a society where black people are expected to bow their heads and say "yes, boss".
According to Bhengu, Mbalula did not specifically name Jaco Pieterse, the former head of Bergview College, in his initial statement. Instead, he read out an official ANC media statement that reported on the party's national executive committee's discussions on gender-based violence and femicide. Bhengu claimed that the statement did not single out any individual as a suspect.
However, Kallie Kriel, CEO of AfriForum, disputes Bhengu's claims. Kriel said Mbalula used his ANC colleagues to spread lies about his role in falsely accusing Pieterse of rape. Kriel believes Mbalula was motivated by his dislike of AfriForum and that he recklessly incited hatred against Pieterse and his family.
Kriel said Mbalula's actions led to Pieterse losing his job and being forced to flee his hometown with his family. AfriForum will ensure that Mbalula is held accountable for his actions, despite the ANC's criticism. Kriel described Mbalula's actions as "cowardly" and "hateful".
The ANC's reaction to Mbalula's impending prosecution has been described as "hysterical" by Kriel. She believes Mbalula has reason to be nervous, as he realizes he is not above the law. AfriForum announced earlier that it would prosecute Mbalula for his comments about Pieterse.
Pieterse was accused of raping a young girl, but AfriForum intervened to protect him from the false allegations. Kriel said Mbalula's comments were made in bad faith and were intended to harm Pieterse and his family. The ANC has dismissed AfriForum's actions as an attempt to undermine the party.
The prosecution of Mbalula marks a significant development in the case. The ANC has vowed to support Mbalula, but Kriel remains confident that AfriForum will see justice served. The case is ongoing, with Mbalula set to face prosecution for his alleged role in falsely accusing Pieterse.
Key points
- The ANC has reacted strongly to AfriForum's decision to prosecute Fikile Mbalula for allegedly falsely accusing a school principal of rape.
- Kallie Kriel, CEO of AfriForum, disputes the ANC's claims that Mbalula did not specifically name the school principal in his initial statement.
- The prosecution of Mbalula marks a significant development in the case, with AfriForum vowing to see justice served.
