Probe into abuse at soccer school to go ahead despite suspect's death
Gauteng police have confirmed that an investigation into claims of abuse and rape at a football school in Soweto will go ahead despite the death of the main suspect.
The boys were recruited from various parts of the country to play in the club's academy but were then allegedly sexually assaulted and beaten by their trainer.
The trainer, who allegedly tried to commit suicide, died at the Leratong Hospital while under police guard.
Gauteng police spokesperson Mavela Masondo could not confirm the cause of the suspects' death but said they are investigating the rape of a minor as well as four other cases of attempted rape.
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"We cannot reveal the ages of the complainants but we can confirm that it was young boys that were part of the team that the suspect was coaching.
"The case will still continue regardless of the suspect been passed away. We believe that there are more people that were also abused by the suspect, and we have been asking them to come forward and give us a statement."
The deceased trainer has been accused of taking advantage of the boys' desperation to pursue their soccer dreams.