UPDATE: Alleged sexual offender preys on school children

In what has been described as an utterly ‘sick and disgusting’ event, a 48-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly molesting children.

The man was allegedly linked to the abuse of 40 children, last week Tuesday, March 17.

According to police spokesperson, Captain Shooz Magudulela, the man had lured school children in the central business district into touching his private parts, after offering them money.

Allegedly, he had also ‘flashed’ and exposed himself, to the children as they waited for their parents and transport to pick them up.

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

“We are requesting that all parents and children who have any further information regarding the matter, to please come forward,” said Capt. Magudulela.

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

Capt. Magudulela was unable to release the names of the schools whose pupils had been affected.

He confirmed the suspect had been acquited for a similar case previously, because evidence had been tampered with.

“It’s a good success but it now depends on available evidence from the children. We need to protect the children and allow the flow of information for investigation,” said Capt. Magudulela.

The charges levelled against the suspect are based on the Children’s Act 38 of 2005, and 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, exposing genital organs to a child.

The suspect appeared in court and applied for bail on Tuesday, March 24 at the Newcastle Magistrate’s Court.

State Prosecutor, Sibusiso Sangweni, requested the courtroom be changed due to the sensitive nature of the case.

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.”

Mr 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.

Any person who requires assistance and may have more information regarding the case is requested to contact Const Du Plessis at 034 314 6177.