PRETORIA – The South Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg on Wednesday revoked the bail of alleged child sex offender Gerhard Ackerman. His bail was revoked after he failed to appear in court on January 26, claiming to be ill.
However, the 52-year-old accused failed to produce a medical certificate, claiming that he was mugged on his way to the doctor. The judge also ordered that Ackerman be kept in custody under supervision because of claims that he wanted to kill himself.
On January 27 he went missing after vacating the flat he was renting and selling his possessions. He was re-arrested on Sunday as he was out on R6 000 bail. He claimed that he moved to a friend’s house because he realised that he could not afford to pay rent at month-end.
According to sworn statements from law enforcement officers, neighbours, and friends detailed in their affidavits how Ackerman also was planning to buy a firearm as he felt he would not have a fair trial.
Ackerman denied having tried to organise a firearm to commit suicide or trying to escape Gauteng province as per his bail conditions.
He faces 740 charges ranging from rape, attempted murder, distribution of child porn, and human trafficking of minor children for sexual exploitation.
The trial against him is set to continue as previously scheduled before his disappearance.
This is Gerhard Ackerman (L), he is facing 730 charges of raping young boys, human trafficking & Child pornography. His co-accused Paul Kennedy (R) an advocate and acting judge committed suicide in Feb 2022. pic.twitter.com/THPCxScJJj
— Man’s NOT Barry Roux (@AdvoBarryRoux) February 1, 2023
Is Karyn Maughan tweeting about Adv Paul Kennedy & Gerhard Ackerman?? Why is the media subtle about these white man facing around 700 charges of exploiting minor boys & human trafficking??? Or the focus is on mama Adv Mkhwebane, Julias Malema & Jacob Zuma.. 🤷🏾♂️ pic.twitter.com/hRd1r6hm1N
— Menzi ka Zwide (@Menzi__Nxumalo) February 1, 2023
EFF Statement On The Gerhard Ackerman Violating His Bail Conditions with 740 Charges In Relation To Leading A Child Sex Ring pic.twitter.com/WpQ2ucHEEB
— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) February 1, 2023
