Cape Town — Convicted paedophile Gerhard Ackerman has been sentenced to 12 life terms in the High Court of Johannesburg for running a a sex abuse and child trafficking ring.
He was sentenced on charges of rape, human trafficking, attempted murder and malicious damage to property. According to SABC News, faced over 740 charges for his role in a child rape ring.
One of the victims was 14 years old at the time. Over 1 000 pornographic images and videos were retrieved from Ackerman’s laptop while over 600 images were retrieved from his cellphone. These images include photos of toddlers being raped and performing sexual acts on adults.
[BREAKING NEWS] Convicted rapist Gerhard Ackerman has been sentenced to 12 life terms for rape and human trafficking.
Watch: https://t.co/tr2tzGrald
Tune into Newzroom Afrika, DStv channel 405 for more details.#Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/T3xDacJtz8
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) August 14, 2023
Ackerman’s sentence was handed down by judge Mohamed Ismail who said Ackerman’s sentences would run concurrently meaning he would serve one life term behind bars, IOL reported.
Ismail further declared Ackerman unfit to work with children. He added that Ackerman showed no remorse throughout the trial. He also reprimanded Ackerman during proceedings on Monday after he raised his hand in an attempt to address the court.
Moments after he was sentenced, Ackerman fired his legal representation and asked for a retrial. Ismail instructed Ackerman to file his motion for a retrial with the court and State by November 15 and the motion for retrial will be heard on November 30.
[WATCH] Convicted rapist Gerhard Ackerman, who has indicated that he wants to file a motion for a retrial, says he wants to apply for bail. Judge Mahomed Ismail says he will not be available, to which Ackerman asks if he can get another judge.#Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/lM6CnItRiP
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) August 14, 2023
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
