Sex ring 'kingpin' Ackerman on the run, arrest warrant issued
The High Court in Johannesburg has issued a warrant of arrest of Gerhard Ackerman following his failure to appear in court on Thursday.
Ackerman claimed he was too ill to make it to court.
The National Prosecuting Authority also approached the court with an urgent application on Saturday to have Ackerman's bail cancelled, after he failed to produce a doctor's note to justify his absence in court.
"Upon investigation, it was found that Ackerman has moved out of his house and sold all his movable assets," says the NPA's regional spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane.
His disappearance is a contravention of his bail conditions granted in 2021.
"Ackerman faces 740 charges ranging from rape, attempted murder, distribution of child porn, human trafficking of minor children for sexual exploitation," Mjonondwane explains.
"Ackerman is alleged to have worked with his co-accused, acting judge Paul Kennedy, who has since committed suicide, in an alleged sex ring that lured young boys.
"These young boys were allegedly sexually groomed, raped and exposed to pornographic material.
"The State will work tirelessly to apprehend Ackerman and welcomes any assistance that the public may provide."
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