Missing victim reports stall Wits student sexual assault case, court orders action

 

Disclaimer: This article contains graphic details and may be distressing to some readers. Reader discretion is advised.

The sexual assault case against a Wits medical student accused of targeting six young boys has been delayed once more, with the Randburg Magistrate’s Court still waiting for several crucial victim assessments.

The 25-year-old medical student and part-time maths tutor, whose name is withheld to protect the minors, returned to court today after being denied bail in September. He is facing nine counts in total, including one charge of rape, six counts of sexual assault, and two charges of grooming.

– Allegations and initial postponement –

The accused allegedly targeted boys from single-parent households within the Bromhof complex in Randburg, where he himself resided.

The entire matter initially surfaced after a new resident raised concerns in a community WhatsApp group about the man’s persistent, questionable behaviour with children. One of the victims, an 11-year-old boy, then revealed to his mother that the accused had molested him, taken nude photographs, and showed him inappropriate images.

The young victim stated that the accused ignored his pleas to stop and demanded absolute secrecy. Further disturbing allegations claim the accused would follow boys into the bathrooms during swimming trips specifically to look at their private parts.

The initial delay in the case was requested by the prosecutor to allow crucial time for further investigation and to ensure the alleged young victims could receive support from the Teddy Bear Clinic.

– Bail denial and latest delays –

In a previous appearance, the accused denied the allegations and applied for bail, saying he needed to complete his Wits master’s dissertation and was willing to relocate during the trial. The Magistrate rejected the application, citing the risk of witness interference and the potential to compromise the administration of justice.

He returned to court on Thursday accompanied by family and friends, but proceedings again stalled after the prosecutor confirmed that several key victim assessment reports are still outstanding.

While six reports have been submitted, others remain missing — a delay that drew clear frustration from the court.

– Court demands direct action –

The court expressed growing frustration with the slow progress of the investigation.

While the State proposed postponing the matter to February 1st, the Magistrate insisted on urgent intervention, ordering the relevant assessor to appear in person at the next hearing to account for the delays and provide a clear timeline.

The court heard that the accused’s devices have been seized and are being analysed.

The matter has been postponed to next Monday.

Written by: Lebohang Ndashe