Eastern Cape Department of Education Moves to Deregister Bergview College Over Alleged Rape Case Involving Young Learner

The Eastern Cape Department of Education has moved to deregister Bergview College following the disturbing allegations of rape involving a young learner at the institution.

The case, which came to light after the minor—who was only seven years old at the time—reported the assault to her mother, a police officer, has sparked widespread concern.

Despite the serious nature of the allegations, no arrests have been made months after the incident, leaving the community in shock and searching for answers.

Allegations of Mismanagement and Delayed Investigation

The Eastern Cape Department of Education, in a public statement, emphasized that all independent schools in the province are required to provide a secure and safe learning environment.

Unfortunately, Bergview College appears to have failed to meet these expectations, particularly in the handling of the rape case.

The Department revealed that a case of rape was officially opened in October 2024, but progress has been frustratingly slow.

The delays, they say, are largely due to the school management’s actions, including an apparent lack of cooperation from the school principal with the South African Police Service (SAPS).

Vuyiseka Mboxela, the spokesperson for the Eastern Cape Department of Education, made it clear that the department takes the matter very seriously.

The school’s failure to uphold safety protocols and cooperate in the investigation led to the decision to withdraw the institution’s registration.

“We cannot tolerate the disregard for the safety of learners,” Mboxela stated, underscoring the department’s commitment to ensuring that all students are protected.

Minister of Education Responds with Urgency

On March 28, Minister of Basic Education, Siviwe Gwarube, publicly addressed the issue after being made aware of the rape case at Bergview College.

Gwarube communicated with the Eastern Cape Provincial Department of Education to gain clarity on the actions being taken to resolve the case.

She also confirmed that the provincial MEC, Fundile Gade, is actively involved in the matter and assured that further updates would be provided.

Minister Gwarube further expressed her deep concern for the situation, sharing her plans to engage with the Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu, to expedite the investigation.

“I am thoroughly heartbroken by this.

We are acting on this, and the best we can do now is to ensure that justice is served for this little girl and her family,” Gwarube stated on social media.

AfriForum Responds to Allegations of Protecting School Principal

Amid the ongoing investigation, the AfriForum Private Prosecution Unit has faced accusations of protecting the school’s principal, Jaco Pieterse, in connection to the alleged rape.

AfriForum, however, has vehemently denied these claims, stating that Pieterse is not a suspect in the case and that the South African Police Service (SAPS) has not identified him as one either.

According to the Private Prosecution Unit, Pieterse had no direct interaction with the victim before the alleged incident, and there is no evidence suggesting the assault occurred on school premises.

Furthermore, the unit explained that the request for a DNA sample from Pieterse was made informally by the investigating officer at the request of the victim’s mother.

AfriForum maintains that Pieterse has been cooperative with the investigation, providing clear communication regarding his willingness to comply with lawful requests.

AfriForum also criticized the process behind the request for a buccal sample, asserting that the procedure was being misused.

They have called on the SAPS to provide any substantial evidence that links Pieterse to the case in question.

The Ongoing Search for Justice

As the investigation continues, the community remains focused on ensuring justice for the young victim and her family.

The case has not only raised serious concerns about the safety and accountability of institutions like Bergview College but has also highlighted the need for a more effective and transparent handling of such sensitive matters.

With the department’s decision to deregister the school and the police’s ongoing investigation, many hope that the right measures will be taken to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.

For now, the focus is squarely on the victim’s journey to justice, with both local authorities and national leaders committed to ensuring that the truth comes to light.

The Eastern Cape Department of Education, Minister Gwarube, and AfriForum’s response to the case all highlight the gravity of the situation and the determination to see justice served.