AfriForum to lay charges against those who ‘falsely accused’ Bergview College principal of rape

The school principal, whom the unit represents, was criticised for refusing to submit DNA samples to the police as one of the suspects. Mbalula was one of the people who accused AfriForum of protecting a rape suspect.

The unit believes the authorities allowed external interference in the investigation, rather than being guided solely by the evidence.

“Our assessment of the facts worryingly suggests as the only reasonable inference that the authorities have allowed themselves to be intimidated by nameless and faceless keyboard warriors into investigating a case, despite there being no conclusive evidence of rape or sexual assault included in the docket after examination of the victim. This led to innocent people being convicted in the court of public opinion,” Bateman said.

Bateman said police detectives should be guided by evidence, not public opinion, to ensure justice is served.

“If the authorities fail to provide a clear explanation of what happened, it may set a precedent in which an aggrieved party with the ability to rally social media supporters, politicians and lobby groups can direct an investigation and identify the suspects.

“This would clearly be an abuse of the criminal justice system and has provided an impetus to take action against politicians, social media detectives and influencers who convicted our clients of rape.”

TimesLIVE