Gerhard Ackerman was back in the Johannesburg High Court today. Image Twitter/@Am_Blujay
Gerhard Ackerman found guilty of child pornography amongst many charges
Child sex abuse ring kingpin Gerhard Ackerman is found guilty of child pornography and benefiting from human trafficking.
Gerhard Ackerman was back in the Johannesburg High Court today. Image Twitter/@Am_Blujay
Alleged child sex abuse ring kingpin Gerhard Ackerman appeared at the Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg on Monday, 24 April.
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Ackerman found guilty on many of his charges
According to News24, the court found Ackerman guilty of child pornography, benefiting from human trafficking and 253 charges.
The charges include rape, sexual exploitation of children, human trafficking, sexual grooming, and possession of child pornography.
Judge Mohamed Ismail handed down the verdict on the remaining 738 charges.
They were related to four specific episodes of crimes Ackerman is accused of committing against children, which span more than a decade.
Ackerman is expected to be back in court for the sentencing.
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Trail period and court processions
Ackerman’s trial started in January 2023, which saw him taking nearly two days to plead not guilty to 740 charges.
The trial ran on and off for three months, where prosecutor, advocate Valencia Dube, led the evidence of more than a dozen witnesses.
The state presented hard evidence in the form of WhatsApp conversations from Ackerman, as well as forensic reports on the child pornography found on his cellphone and laptop.
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The defence’s case only contained Ackerman’s testimony.
After the State closed its case, Ackerman brought a Section 174 discharge application.
He was acquitted of two rape charges relating to him allegedly performing oral sex on two different complainants, two boys aged 15 and 16.
This, because the teenagers did not give evidence about the specific incidents.
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However, witnesses gave evidence on two other charges of rape where it is alleged Ackerman had penetrative sex with each of them on separate occasions.
In March 2023, both the State and defence presented their closing arguments, and the case was postponed to April for judgment.
