Man arrested for allegedly preying on school children

The charges levelled against the suspect were based on the Children’s Act 38 of 2005, and they include the sexual violation of a child, engaging in sexual acts or using a child to perform sexual acts, compelling a child to watch the commission of sexual offence and exposing genitals to a child, Newcastle Advertiser reported.

During the suspect’s bail application this week, state prosecutor Sibusiso Sangweni requested the courtroom be changed due to the sensitive nature of the case.

The attorney for the defence, Makhosini Nkosi, told the court: “Last week, the case was postponed. The state is concerned and reluctant to hear the matter. We have a new magistrate today, and they want the court changed. I cannot help but conclude that the state wants a magistrate who will be sympathetic to the case”.

Sangweni responded: “The current magistrate is an articulate presiding officer, but for the sake of justice and the sensitivity of this case, we want it moved to another court. Usually the head of the courts will deal with this case, and we would like that. We are not just thinking about one child here there are many more involved.”

Following this, the presiding magistrate was changed and a new hearing date set.

Last week, police spokesperson Captain Shooz Magudulela said the man allegedly lured schoolchildren in the Newcastle central business district into touching his private parts after offering them money.

It is believed the man also “flashed” and exposed himself to the children as they waited for their parents and transport to pick them up after school.

One of his alleged victims had reported the matter to his principal, and a sting operation was coordinated together with the police’s Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit.

“We are requesting that all parents and children who have any further information regarding the matter to please come forward,” said Magudulela, who was unable to release the names of the schools whose pupils had been affected.

Magudulela advised parents to talk to their children about these incidents if they suspected their child might have been molested.

Anyone with more information regarding the case was requested to contact Constable Du Plessis at 034 314 6177.

– Caxton News Service