Child molestation case continues
SANDTON - Non-profit organisation Women and Men against Child Abuse held a special press conference at Protea Wanderers Hotel in Sandton on the morning of 13 August to address the recent allegation of child molestation made against South African businessman Sidney Frankel.
The conference was led by a panel which included prosecuting lawyer Ian Levitt; founder of the organisation, Miranda Friedman; advocates Charmaine Horowitz and Luke Lamprecht; and forensic psychologist, Leonard Carr.
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Levitt, who will represent the seven accusers who claim to have been molested as children by Frankel, said a court summons was sent to the accused’s lawyer on 12 August. The document put forth, in graphic detail, the plaintiffs’ alleged experiences with Frankel who had taken them into his care in the 70s and 80s.
Levitt also played clips from recorded calls between plaintiff Nicole Levenstein and Frankel, who denied the allegations over the phone.
The conference also saw organisation founder Miranda Friedman and psychologist Leonard Carr explaining the great damage that child molestation has on victims.
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Friedman said it’s not only Frankel who should be called into question, but all of his associates and friends. She added, “Molestation is a life-changing experience, and it does not only affect children, but also families and communities.”
Levitt concluded his presentation by stressing the flaw within South African law which states that the statute of limitations with regards to child abuse is 20 years, which he said is due to the court’s inability to accept the seriousness of the psychological effects many carry into adulthood following a case of molestation.
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