LIFE AND 17 YEARS IMPRISONMENT FOR PIETERMARITZBURG SCHOOL COUNSELLOR
The Pietermaritzburg High Court has sentenced a 38-year-old man to life and 17 years imprisonment following his conviction of five counts of sexual assault, one count of rape and accessing child pornography.
The man was a counsellor at a primary school in Pietermaritzburg where he preyed on male learners. In his capacity as the school counsellor, he consulted with the learners in his office on the school premises. He was arrested in 2016 when the incidents came to light.
In the state’s case, Senior State Advocate Attie Truter submitted Victim Impact Statements compiled by some of the children and their parents, and facilitated by the KZN Deputy Director for Court Preparation, Roelien Wiesner. All their statements spoke of how the man had gained their confidence only to break their trust and violate their rights. The parents said that the man’s actions have had irreparable effects, not only on the affected children but their families as a whole. One child said that following the abuse he became withdrawn and angry. He felt uncomfortable around males and did not trust his teachers.
The man was sentenced accordingly. He was granted leave to appeal on his conviction to the Supreme Court of Appeal. He was denied bail, pending appeal.
The National Prosecuting Authority welcomes the finalisation of this matter. We hope it will have the necessary deterrent effect. We commend the work done by the prosecution and other partners.
