Alleged sexual offender’s case to resume next month
If the accused is found guilty of having had sex with underaged girls, he can be given a life sentence.
The 31-year-old man accused of exposing himself to underaged girls has appeared in the Roodepoort Magistrates’ Court again.
The accused, whom the news chose not to name to protect the underaged children, first appeared in court after being arrested at his workplace in Kenmare in April 2013.
He was taken into police custody after allegedly offering a 17-year-old pupil from Hoërskool Bastion R200 to perform oral sex on him.
In January nine charges in terms of the Sexual Offences Amendment Act were laid before him after which he was asked to plead. He took the stand and pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
This week he briefly appeared in court only to hear that his trial has been postponed again, this time to next month because some of the girls still need to testify and the court is waiting for cellphone records.
The news approached their legal expert and columnist Christo Swart about the matter.
Although Swart does not deal with criminal law, he asked a colleague at the Krugersdorp Magistrates’ Court for input.
“If the accused is found guilty of having had sex with underaged girls, he can be given a life sentence. The fact that he allegedly exposed himself to the girls also will determine his punishment if found guilty,” says the magistrate.
“If he is found guilty, his name will be added to the register of sexual offenders. However, a question about the existence of this register was lodged to the Justice Portfolio recently. Whether or not there is such a register, the court will order that the accused’s name be added to the list.”
Related article:
• Sexual offender pleads – case postponed
