Johannesburg, 28 April 2023 – Sonke welcomes the conviction of child sex abuse ring kingpin Gerhard Ackerman for the crimes he committed. The Gauteng High Court found Ackerman guilty of multiple charges linked to a child sex abuse ring that he masterminded. Ackerman targeted vulnerable teenage boys between the ages of 14 and 16, recruiting them through Facebook, before trafficking them to his so-called massage parlour in Johannesburg. He was found guilty of more than 720 charges including rape, human trafficking, sexual grooming of children, attempted murder and sexual exploitation of children.
‘’ It is apparent that he did not commit these crimes alone. We trust that the criminal justice system will vigorously pursue those connected with this crime and ensure that justice is served.’’ said Bafana Khumalo, Sonke’s Co-Executive Director and Co-Chairperson, Global MenEngage Alliance
The matter has been postponed to the 18th of July for psychologists’ reports to be presented in court. Sonke looks forward to the finalization of this matter with the envisaged sentencing in July so that victims and their families can have closure.
For media enquiries contact:
Kgomotso Mophulane, Communications & Strategic Information Manager, Sonke Gender Justice on kgomotso@genderjustice.org.za or 0835196187.
Bafana Khumalo, Co-Executive Director, Sonke Gender Justice and Co-Chairperson, Global MenEngage Alliance: bafana@genderjustice.org.za or 082 5784479.
Note to Editors
Sonke is a South African-based non-profit organisation working throughout Africa. We believe women and men, girls and boys can work together to resist patriarchy, advocate for gender justice, and achieve gender transformation.
