Sex ring 'kingpin' Ackerman back behind bars
Gerhard Ackerman was rearrested in Florida, west of Johannesburg, on Sunday following his disappearance on Saturday.
His arrest comes after the High Court in Johannesburg issued a warrant of arrest following his failure to appear in court on Thursday.
Ackerman cited ill health as the reason for his non-appearance.
He faces over 700 charges ranging from rape, attempted murder, distribution of child porn, human trafficking of minor children for sexual exploitation.
Ackerman's disappearance contravened his bail conditions granted in 2021.
The National Prosecuting Authority 's Phindi Mjonodwane confirmed Ackerman's rearrest on Sunday afternoon.
"The role played by the South African media in his apprehension must be applauded as the images circulated by the media led to members of the public spotting Ackerman in Florida,in the west of Johannesburg . They immediately arrested him and called the local South African Police Service (SAPS) officials who acted swiftly to effect the warrant of arrest.
"The Director of Public Prosecutions in the Gauteng Local Division, Advocate Andrew Chauke, extends his gratitude to members of the public for their vigilance that led to the apprehension of Gerhard Ackerman, following the warrant of arrest that was issued by the High Court of South Africa Gauteng Local Division, Johannesburg on Saturday.
“The trial against him is set to continue in the High Court of South Africa Gauteng Local Division, Johannesburg as previously scheduled before his disappearance,“ adds Mjonodwane.
Meanwhile, the Women and Men Against Child Abuse Head of Advocacy Luke Lamprecht says Ackerman was not supposed to be granted bail as he is flight risk from the beginning.
"Going forward what we would like to see is that he faces the charges that the court gets to hear what the charges are from the victims that the victims are protected in terms of them having access to intermediaries, separate rooms, having access to camera hearings so that the court can make a good decision based on good evidence before they embar the victims and the professionals without the interference of Mr Ackerman."
ALSO READ
