A 57-year-old soccer coach and Bible studies teacher has been arrested after he was accused of sexually assaulting four boys and severely beaten by the community of Waterloo, neighbouring Verulam, on Tuesday, August 13.
South African Police Service (SAPS) spokesman, Colonel Robert Netshiunda, confirmed police in Verulam have arrested the man in connection with four counts of rape.
“The rape cases were reported yesterday (Wednesday, August 14) at Verulam SAPS for investigation. Reports indicate that the suspect was assaulted by the community before the police were called. The suspect was conveyed to hospital for medical attention, where he remains under police guard,” said Colonel Netshiunda.
Spokesman for Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA), Prem Balram said members of RUSA were dispatched to the corner of Rahima Moosa and Vezokuhle Roads at approximately 5.29pm on Tuesday.
“On arrival, reaction officers discovered approximately 100 residents baying for the blood of a man. The man was stripped of his pants and underwear. The crowd were threatening to castrate him.”
According to Mr Balram, the man coaches soccer and conducts Bible studies with minor boys from Waterloo in his spare time.
Mr Balram said one of the boys informed his parents on Tuesday afternoon that the man had allegedly drugged and raped him. His parents brought it to the attention of other residents who questioned their children. Three other boys aged between 10 and 13 also said they were victims.
“The boys said they were afraid to inform their parents because the suspect threatened to murder their families if they sought any assistance.
“The suspect was seriously injured during the mob attack,” said Mr Balram.
