A soccer coach accused of sexually assaulting young boys appeared in the eMalahleni Magistrate’s Court yesterday (July 2), where his case was postponed.

Witbank News reports the accused first appeared in court on June 23, facing two charges of rape. Proceedings took a different turn yesterday when an additional sexual assault charge was added to the case. As a result, his formal bail application was postponed until later in July.

Gender-based violence activist and All Voices Matter founder Abongile Mcoki, who was among community members supporting the affected families, said they hope the accused will be denied bail.

“As All Voices Matter, we do not condone sex offenders being granted bail. We are here with the community and the parents of the victims, and we are saying no bail for the coach. He cannot be facing three charges and then be out on bail roaming the streets of eMalahleni,” Mcoki said.

According to the families, the children, all aged 15 or younger, had been staying at a clubhouse in Kwa-Guqa managed by the accused when the incidents took place.

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