A 48-year-old former youth soccer coach, who targeted young players in eZinambeni, near Vosman, has been convicted on nine counts, including sexual assault, exploitation and grooming.

The Emalahleni Regional Court handed down a 15-year direct imprisonment term on September 18 for the offences, which were committed against three boys between September and October 2023.

The accused had coached children aged between seven and 18 in the community.

The Mpumalanga spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority, Monica Nyuswa, said the evidence presented during the trial revealed that the victims regularly visited the coach’s residence to assist with washing soccer jerseys and equipment or mentoring.

“Exploiting the trust placed in him by the victims and their families, the accused sexually abused the children on various occasions,” she said.

ALSO READ: High court sentences Bushbuckridge man to 23 years for girlfriend’s murder

“The offences came to light when two of the victims failed to return home one evening. Their parents were informed that the boys were at the accused’s residence and immediately proceeded there,” Nyuswa explained.

“Upon arrival, they found that the accused delayed opening the door. After eventually gaining access to the house, the parents found the boys inside and questioned them about what had transpired. The boys disclosed that they had been sexually assaulted by the coach.”

Nyuswa said the matter was reported and an investigation uncovered further incidents involving an additional victim, resulting in further charges being brought against the accused.

Court finds victims credible and consistent

“The accused pleaded not guilty to all charges and denied knowing the victims or coaching them. However, the state prosecutor, Princess Mathabathe, presented compelling evidence through the testimonies of the three victims and the investigating officer.”

Nyuswa said the victims testified against the coach, saying that he would give them money or buy them biscuits and cold drinks.

ALSO READ: Hawks intercept R130 000 explosives haul at Mbombela lodge

“The court found the evidence of the three victims to be credible, clear and consistent,” said Nyuswa.

“The court held that this demonstrated the absence of any motive to fabricate allegations against him.

“In addition to the 15-year term of direct imprisonment, the court declared the offender unfit to work with children, unfit to possess a firearm and ordered that his name be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders.

Nyuswa said the name of the convict was withheld to protect the victims from secondary victimisation.