Johannesburg gymnastics coach accused of sexual abuse
The coach was released on bail.
Athletes against Child Abuse (AACA), a wing of Women and Men Against Child Abuse (WMACA), which was launched in April, continue to investigate claims against a Johannesburg gymnastics coach who was released on bail.
“The organisation is closely monitoring the case of the accused who was arrested in early October on charges relating to sexual abuse,” said member of the NPO Olivia Jasriel.
“Our organisation representative accompanied the victim who laid a charge at the Sophiatown Police Station.”
According to Jasriel, the accused was apprehended at his home in the presence of the victim and a WMACA/AACA representative, but he was later released on bail.
“We confronted the South African Gymnastics Federation (SAGF) with the allegations brought to us by two victims and other additional victims who are known to WMACA,” Jasriel explained.
“SAGF initially denied any knowledge of any misconduct or allegations of abuse within their fraternity.
“We established they conducted an internal investigation, which did not provide an outcome that was acceptable because the allegations related to the sexual assault of minors.
“It was not the place of the federation to conduct these investigations internally. They were obligated to report this to the police.”
WMACA is carrying out additional investigations and monitoring the matter closely in support of the victims to ensure all adequate information is provided to the SAPS.
“The police are also conducting investigations into the cases that have been opened with them,” Jasriel said.
“We will support the victims and any other possible victims who come forward as they undertake the criminal case against this gymnastics coach.
“We want their experience of activating the justice system to be as seamless as possible to avoid them suffering further trauma as a result of the systemic challenges that make reporting of allegations of sexual abuse and rape extremely traumatic for victims.”
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