NPA to appeal acquittal of AB Xuma school patroller

Johannes Molefe was accused of abusing dozens of children last year and was on Wednesday acquitted on all counts levelled against him by the state at the Palm Ridge Magistrates Court.

Molefe was facing three counts of rape and eleven of sexual assault for after initially being accused of sexually harassing more than 80 girls aged between 5 and 13 last year.

The 58-year-old has spent over a year behind bars after abandoning his bail application in 2017, fearing for his safety.

Gauteng NPA spokesperson, Phindi Mjonodwane, saus they will appeal the judgment as they believe it was unreasonable and could not be validated by substantial evidence.

"The NPA strives to render a victim centric service and continues the fight against violence aimed at women and children. The statistics in the Gauteng Local Division (GLD) high court wherein the conviction rate is currently sitting at 85,2%,15,2% above the national target is evidence that prosecutors are working tirelessly to decrease the scourge.

“During the period April to November 2018, 27 sexual offence cases, including 13 involving serial rapists were finalised in the GLD High Court," Mjonodwane says.

Mjonodwane says they strongly disagree with comments by acting Judge Peet Johnson that the state failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt.

"The NPA is however displeased with the ruling and pleads with the parents of the children to be patient. It will then therefore study the case and tighten the preponderance of the evidence to ensure that the menace faces the full might of the law.”

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