Former Soccer Coach Sentenced to 15 Years for Sexually Abusing 3 Young Mpumalanga Boys
- The Emalahleni Regional Court convicted a former soccer coach on nine counts of sexual offences against three boys aged between 7 and 18
- The abuse surfaced after two of the victims failed to return home one evening, prompting their parents to go to the coach's house
- The National Prosecuting Authority commended the boys and their families for their courage in coming forward despite the trauma they endured
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A former soccer coach in Mpumalanga has been sentenced to 15 years' direct imprisonment after being convicted of sexual offences against three young boys, with the Emalahleni Regional Court finding him guilty on nine counts.
The 48-year-old man, whose name has been withheld to protect the victims from secondary victimisation, was convicted of three counts each of sexual assault, sexual exploitation, and sexual grooming. The offences occurred between September and October 2023. The court also ordered that his name be added to the National Register for Sex Offenders, declared him unfit to work with children, and declared him unfit to possess a firearm.
How the Abuse Came to Light
The coach worked with children between the ages of seven and eighteen. The victims regularly visited his home in eZinambeni, Vosman, under the guise of helping with laundry or simply spending time with him.
The abuse only came to light after two of the victims did not return home one evening. Their parents were told the boys were at the coach's house and went there immediately. On arrival, they found him delaying in opening the door. Once they gained access, they questioned their sons about what had taken place.
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National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Monica Nyuswa confirmed that the boys disclosed they had been sexually assaulted by their coach. "The matter was immediately reported to the South African Police Service, triggering an investigation that uncovered further incidents involving an additional victim and resulted in further charges being brought against the accused," Nyuswa said.
Court Rejects Coach's Denial
In court, the accused pleaded not guilty and claimed he did not know the victims or coach them. State prosecutor Princess Mathabathe presented testimony from all three victims and the investigating officer, which the court found to be credible, clear, and consistent.
The victims testified that the accused would undress them and commit sexual acts against them at his home, after which he would give them money and buy them biscuits and cold drinks. Nyuswa noted that the victims "liked their coach, enjoyed spending time with him, and regarded him positively before the offences occurred," which the court accepted as evidence they had no reason to fabricate their accounts.
The court described the accused's version of events as false, improbable, and riddled with contradictions.
During sentencing, the court noted that the accused had abused a position of trust. Victim impact statements from the boys and their parents described feelings of embarrassment, self-blame, and trauma, as well as a noticeable decline in the children's academic performance and overall well-being.
The NPA commended the victims and their families for their courage. "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," Nyuswa said.
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Source: Briefly News
