Sentenced soccer coach banned from working with children
Edwin Soko was sentenced to 15 years' imprisonment following his conviction on nine counts of sexual assault, sexual exploitation, and sexual grooming.
The Emalahleni Local Football Association (LFA) has welcomed the sentencing of soccer coach Edwin Soko, who was recently handed a 15-year direct imprisonment term by the eMalahleni Regional Court.
Soko was convicted on nine counts of sexual assault, sexual exploitation, and sexual grooming involving three boys who were aged between eight and 13 by the time of the incidents, which reportedly occurred in September and October 2023.
Read more: Third sexual assault charge added against Kwa-Guqa soccer coach
Following the court’s ruling on September 17, in which the 43-year-old was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment for each of the three charges, Emalahleni LFA President Peter Malope addressed the matter, reaffirming their commitment to footballers’ safety.
“We accept the court’s judgment, and we are continuing to educate our coaches, team owners and members through the safeguarding courses,” said Malope.
“The teams belong to the owners; as the association, we have rules in place to manage the members, and if the team owners are found to be in the wrong, the law must take its course.”
Read more: Coach convicted of sexual assault to serve 5 years in prison
The LFA emphasised its trust in the judicial and rehabilitation systems, pledging to prioritise child protection, transparency, and professional standards across its local structures.
Soccer coach found guilty of molesting minor boys to be sentenced today at the eMalahleni Regional Court
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The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), on the other hand, praised the outcome and commended the young victims and their families for their bravery throughout the trial.
“This successful prosecution demonstrates the NPA’s unwavering commitment to protecting children from sexual abuse, holding perpetrators accountable, and ensuring justice for the most vulnerable members of society,” stated NPA Regional Spokesperson Monica Nyuswa.
Nyuswa further encouraged all victims of gender-based violence to report such incidents to the relevant authorities and seek professional support and assistance.
In addition to the 15-year prison sentence, the court declared Soko unfit to work with children or possess a firearm, also ordering his placement on the National Register for Sex Offenders.
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