Gerhard Ackerman, who is now facing 704 charges raging from rape and child pornography distribution to human trafficking has been rearrested.
Ackerman has been on the run from the law since Friday when police visited his home and found it abandoned with some of his movable assets sold. Ackerman had been out on bail for rape, attempted murder, distribution of child porn and trafficking of minor children for sexual exploitation. His trial resumed on Monday, January 23. He failed to appear in court on Thursday citing ill-health and was expected to submit a doctor's note on Friday but he didn't.
According to National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane, police went to Ackerman's home on Friday and found it abandoned. The Johannesburg High Court issued a warrant for his arrest on Saturday.
He was rearrested on Saturday in Florida, west of Johannesburg, after he was apprehended by members of the community.
The Director of Public Prosecutions in the Gauteng Local Division, Advocate Andrew Chauke extended his gratitude to members of the public for their vigilance that led to the apprehension.
“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. They immediately arrested him and called the local SA Police Service (SAPS) officials who acted swiftly to effect the warrant of arrest,” said Chauke.
The trial against him is set to continue in the High Court of SA Gauteng Local Division, Johannesburg as previously scheduled before his disappearance. Ackerman has now forfeited his R6,000 bail.
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.
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