Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has issued a public apology after incorrectly naming Jaco Pieterse, the principal of Bergview College, as a suspect in the rape of a 7-year-old child.
This error has prompted calls for more careful and responsible communication from officials.
Mchunu acknowledged the mistake in an official statement, expressing regret for the wrongful identification and stating that he would personally apologise to Pieterse.
The incorrect statement has led to significant damage to the principal’s reputation, with intense scrutiny following the minister’s comments.
The police investigation into the case is ongoing, and no suspect has been formally named.
