Date: April 24, 2023
Johannesburg – The trial of alleged child rape ring kingpin Gerhard Ackerman is currently under way in the Johannesburg High Court. Ackerman is facing around 740 charges, including rape, human trafficking, and possession of child pornography[3].
Ackerman had been previously arrested for assaulting an 11-year-old boy and was granted bail in that case[1]. During the trial, Ackerman has maintained his innocence[4]. However, he admitted to having sex with a 16-year-old during his testimony[8].
The Johannesburg High Court has heard evidence detailing how the alleged child sex ring operated, with investigators revealing how they managed to apprehend the accused[6]. The trial had previously faced delays, as the judge had been unwell and unable to read out the judgment[7].
Closing arguments were heard in the Johannesburg High Court, with Ackerman facing over 730 counts of rape, attempted murder, and sex trafficking, among other charges[10]. The judgment, initially expected on Wednesday, April 19, 2023, was postponed to Monday, April 24, 2023[11][12].