The eMalahleni Regional Court recently handed down an effective sentence of five years imprisonment to soccer coach Sibusiso Gama, who was found guilty of molesting minor boys.

Gama was back in court on August 5, where he received his sentencing of a total of 10 years imprisonment, but with five years suspended, on the two sexual assault charges he was convicted of.

Conditions for the suspended sentence were that if he commits a similar offence soon after serving his five years in prison, he will be returned to jail to serve the suspended sentence.

His sentencing follows three charges of sexual assault that he faced, originating from incidents reported two years ago.

During his court appearance on June 24, Gama was acquitted of one charge related to an incident in September 2023, but was found guilty of the other two cases, which both took place in mid-May of the same year.

According to testimonies in court, Gama targeted boys who slept next to him during overnight camps.

Communicating officer for the Witbank SAPS, Sergeant David Ratau, expressed satisfaction with the sentence.

“As the police, we are very happy with the sentencing, but going forward, we ask that parents must have time with their kids every day where kids can share about their day, so that parents can easily pick up if there is any sign,” he said.

He added that he current problem is that children are abused but cannot report to their parents because they never have time to communicate.

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