FORMER SOCCER COACH SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS' DIRECT IMPRISONMENT FOR SEXUAL OFFENCES AGAINST THREE YOUNG BOYS

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) welcomes the successful prosecution and sentencing of a 48-year-old former soccer coach, who was sentenced to 15 years' direct imprisonment by the Emalahleni Regional Court for sexual offences committed against three young boys.The accused's identity is being withheld to protect the victims from secondary victimisation. 

The accused was convicted on nine counts, namely three counts of sexual assault, three counts of sexual exploitation, and three counts of sexual grooming. The offences were committed between September and October 2023 in eZinambeni, Vosman, where the accused coached children between the ages of seven and eighteen years.

Evidence presented during the trial revealed that the victims regularly visited the accused's residence to assist with washing soccer jerseys and equipment or to spend time with their coach. Exploiting the trust placed in him by the victims and their families, the accused sexually abused the children on various occasions.

The offences came to light when two of the victims failed to return home one evening. Their parents were informed that the boys were at the accused's residence and immediately proceeded there. Upon arrival, they found that the accused delayed opening the door. After eventually gaining access to the house, the parents found the boys inside and questioned them about what had transpired. The boys disclosed that 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.

The accused pleaded not guilty to all charges and denied knowing the victims or coaching them. However, State Prosecutor Princess Mathabathe presented compelling evidence through the testimonies of the three victims and the investigating officer.

The victims testified that they frequently visited the accused's residence, where he would undress them and commit sexual acts against them. They further testified that, following the offences, the accused would give them money and buy them biscuits and cold drinks.

The court found the evidence of the three victims to be credible, clear, and consistent. Their testimonies corroborated one another in all material respects, and the court accepted that they had no reason to falsely implicate the accused. Significantly, the victims testified that they liked their coach, enjoyed spending time with him, and regarded him positively before the offences occurred. The court held that this demonstrated the absence of any motive to fabricate allegations against him.

The accused's version was rejected as false, improbable, and riddled with contradictions. The court found that his evidence was not reasonably possibly true and concluded that the State had proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt. He was consequently convicted on all nine counts.

In aggravation of sentence, Prosecutor Mathabathe submitted that the accused had abused a position of trust and authority to prey on vulnerable children entrusted to his care. Victim Impact Statements compiled by the victims and their parents detailed the profound emotional and psychological harm caused by the offences. The victims described feelings of embarrassment, self-blame, and trauma, while their parents reported a noticeable decline in the children's academic performance and overall wellbeing.

In imposing sentence, the court emphasised the seriousness of the offences, the vulnerability of the victims, and the gross breach of trust committed by a person entrusted with the care, guidance, and development of young children. The court further stressed that individuals in positions of authority over children have a duty to protect and nurture them, rather than exploit them for their own sexual gratification.

In addition to the 15-year term of direct imprisonment, the court declared the accused unfit to work with children, unfit to possess a firearm, and ordered that his name be entered into the National Register for Sex Offenders.

The NPA commends the victims and their families for their courage in reporting the offences and supporting the prosecution despite the trauma they endured. 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.

Enquiries

Monica Nyuswa

NPA Regional Spokesperson: Mpumalanga