PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - Plettenberg Bay residents and anti-child abuse activists regained some hope in the justice system when an alleged child sex predator was denied bail last week.
The 38-year-old suspect, a Ghanaian man who lived in Kwanokuthula until his arrest, is accused of luring young Plettenberg Bay girls to his home with promises of cookies before attempting to perform sexual acts with them.
After a lengthy bail hearing which started on October 2, the accused was denied bail in the Plettenberg Bay Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, October 22.
"See what can happen if we all stand together," spokesman for anti-child abuse group Green Hearts of Plett, Yvette Wilschut, said.
This after major public pressure to keep the man, who cannot be named until he has pleased, behind bars. More than 3 700 residents signed a petition against his release on bail and several children’s rights groups attended court proceedings in support of the children and their families.
One of Magistrate Len Goosen's reasons for denying bail was the fact that communities were “sick and tired” of sexual predators targeting young children and that children needed to be protected.
He added that it seemed that every time he opened a newspaper or switched on the television, these crimes were making headlines.
Other factors that influenced his decision included that the man, who does not have a legal permit to be in South Africa, was believed to be a flight risk. During his bail application it came to light that he was in possession of counterfeit immigration documents.
"We are relieved that the accused was denied bail. He is a flight risk," said Women and Men Against Child Abuse spokesman Joanne Barrett.
She added that this decision also gave her hope in the justice system after alleged criminals had been granted bail in similar cases in recent months.
"We extend our appreciation and applaud Magistrate Goosen, prosecutor Gerda Marx and investigating officer Warrant Officer Christopher Wolhuter for their complete dedication, continuous hard work and commitment in ensuring the safety of our children," Barrett added.
The accused was arrested by members of the George Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences unit (FCS) at his home in Kwanokuthula on September 8 after allegedly committing several sexual offences involving four young girls between the ages of seven and 11.
During his bail bid the court heard how the suspect allegedly lured the children – including the daughters of a local police officer, who is also his neighbour – to his home with promises of treats before attempting to perform sexual acts with them.
He allegedly showed pornographic films to some of the children, attempted to have oral sex with one girl and demanded others to undress themselves while he took off his clothes.
After his arrest a drug charge was also added to the charges.
The suspect denies the charges and testified during his bail hearing that he believed the claims were sparked by an argument with a neighbour and one of the complainants' father over money.
The matter was postponed to November 27 for further investigation.
Click here for previous articles:
- Ghanian's bail application continues
- Bail bid for accused sex offender delayed
- Alleged sex offender's bail bid continues
- Man arrested for sex crimes
- Another child abuse case rocks Plett
ARTICLE: YOLANDé STANDER, KNYSNA-PLETT HERALD - CORRESPONDENT
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