Child sex ring accused Gerhard Ackerman faces 740 charges ranging from rape, attempted murder, distribution of child porn and human trafficking of minor children for sexual exploitation.
ALLEGED child sex ring accused Gerhard Ackerman has been re-arrested after his failure to appear in court.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said Ackerman was arrested in Florida, west of Johannesburg, after he was spotted by members of the public.
Ackerman faces 740 charges ranging from rape, attempted murder, distribution of child porn and human trafficking of minor children for sexual exploitation.
He has pleaded not guilty.
He was set to appear in court on Thursday and his failure to do so prompted the State to make an urgent application to have his bail revoked.
According to the NPA, when police arrived at Ackerman’s home, they found he had moved out and sold his movable assets.
He was granted R6,000 bail by the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court in 2021, on condition that he report to the nearest police station on a daily basis.
Ackerman is alleged to have worked with his co-accused, renowned human rights lawyer and acting judge Paul Kennedy, in a sex ring that lured young boys.
Kennedy died by suicide in February.
The young boys were allegedly sexually groomed, raped and exposed to pornographic material.
The Director of Public Prosecutions in the Gauteng Local Division, Advocate Andrew Chauke extended his gratitude to members of the public for their vigilance that led to the apprehension of Ackerman.
NPA spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane said Ackerman’s trial will continue in the Gauteng High Court as scheduled before his disappearance.
