'Manipulative and evil' Ackerman handed 12 life terms

In April, Ackerman was convicted on more than 700 counts that included human trafficking, grooming, rape, and the production and distribution of pornographic material involving minors.

The 53-year-old ran a child sex abuse ring which he fronted as a massage parlour and targeted vulnerable children by promising to give them jobs and skills.

During sentencing proceedings on Monday, Judge Mohamed Ismail described Ackerman as manipulative and evil.

“Mr Ackerman, you’ve not displayed a jot of remorse for the enormity of your actions. On the contrary, you expressed the view that you were acting out of consideration for these victims, who came from broken homes, by taking them under your wings…nothing is further from the truth.

“In fact, you’re not a benevolent, caring person. On the contrary, you’re a manipulative and cunning man who lured these vulnerable children.”

But Ackerman maintained his innocence throughout the trial and even during sentencing. He terminated the mandate of his Legal Aid representative and indicated to the court that he intended to apply for a retrial.

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He claimed to have new evidence and alleged inadequate legal representation, incorrect interpretation of the law as well as irregularities during trial proceedings.

“When you’re an introvert, you don’t sleep because of prison and you don’t get nutritional food, and you don’t like public speaking. If you don’t speak properly and correctly, and your Legal Aid representation fails you – you get found guilty,” Ackerman said.

“You have no resources in prison to prepare for your trial. The State has internet, cellphone, and all the resources.”

He further claimed his imprisonment disadvantages him. Ackerman said he only expected to be in prison for another three months, as he intends to apply for bail before the retrial application in November.  

“You’re stuck there. The only person you see is your lawyer. You can’t message friends; get witnesses for yourself. You can’t prepare for your trial. This system of ours is broken.”

The National Prosecuting Authority’s spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane said State will oppose the retrial application, which will be heard on 30 November.

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