Ghanaian ‘sex pest’ gets 5 years

PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS FLASH - While anti-child abuse activists are relieved that the case involving sex crimes against Plettenberg Bay girls at the hands of a Ghanaian national has finally come to an end after a series of delays, they are concerned over the lenient sentence.

The 38-year-old Bernard Asamoah entered into a plea agreement in the Knysna Regional Court on Friday May 27, and was handed down a five year suspended sentence. He will also be deported.

Asamoah, who operated as hairdresser and businessman in Kwanokuthula before he was apprehended, was arrested by members of the George family violence, child protection and sexual offences unit (FCS) at his home in Kwanokuthula on September 8, 2015 following several claims of sexual offences against four young girls between the ages of seven and 11.

During his bail application, witnesses told the court how the suspect lured the children –including the daughter of a local police officer and neighbour – to his home with promises of “cookies” and other treats before attempting to perform sexual acts with them.

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