By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Alleged child sex ring kingpin Gerhard Ackerman has been re-arrested in Florida, west of Johannesburg, after he contravened his bail conditions and went missing on Friday.
Ackerman’s arrest comes after the High Court in Johannesburg issued a warrant of arrest following his failure to appear in court on Thursday.
He 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.
Ackerman is currently being detained at the Florida police station and will appear in the Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg on Monday.