A former assistant water polo coach at Parktown Boys’ High School, who allegedly sexually assaulted 20 school children, will go to trial at the Palm Ridge Court 30 July next year until the 21 September.
This was heard at the South Gauteng High Court this morning (22 November) after it was postponed on 10 November.
UPDATE: Parktown Boys coach accused of sexual assault is set to appear in court
Earlier reports …
The 22-year-old accused was arrested in November last year when he was found on CCTV footage allegedly fondling a youngster. The charges against him include grooming children for sexual activity and exposure to child pornography.
Parktown Boys’ High sexual assault case to be investigated by GDE
The principal of the school, Kevin Stippel and the chairman of the school’s governing body, Nicholas Greyling were called in to review the footage.
“The police were contacted and the perpetrator was arrested. He has since been charged with sexual abuse of minors and is awaiting trial. The school banned him from the property pending a hearing but he resigned with immediate effect,” said Greyling, who added that the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) was contacted and have been involved throughout this process.
However, the GDE said in a statement that they only became aware of the incident through the media. Greyling said that the school had been visited by a representative from the Department of Education so he was unsure why the Gauteng Education MEC, Panyaza Lesufi, was not aware of the incident.
Education MEC addresses assembly at Parktown Boys’ following allegations of sexual assault
Greyling said there has been ongoing counselling and psychological support for the children and their parents throughout the process, and Luke Lamprecht from the Johannesburg Child Advocacy Forum has been assisting the school with an independent investigation to ensure complete transparency throughout the procedure.
A school newsletter titled, Breaking the Silence, was issued to parents and schoolchildren last year after the school became aware of the incident involving the children. The newsletter refers to a code of silence whereby students feel that they will not disclose even the most dangerous of information. The newsletter stresses the importance of children understanding that they play an essential role in ensuring the school is safe for all.
Other earlier articles:
Hertzberg writes about allegations of sexual assault at Parktown Boys’ High
