In 2015, Jean van Loggerenberg was convicted of the statutory rape of minors and handed a five-year suspended sentence. He has been denied bail in a new case brought against him for the possession of child pornography.
Van Loggerenberg’s name is in the national register of sex offenders.
He was arrested in February and had one month to go before completing his five-year suspended sentence for the statutory sexual assault of five 15-year-old girls. During that case, the court heard how he met all the girls on a gaming site.
Crystal Keevy, defence attorney, said, “it’s common course that all victim’s consented to acts of a sexual nature. Therefore, the term statutory is very important. The crime was not violent and will therefore not disturb public peace”.
The state has opposed bail saying his crime was nevertheless dangerous. Magistrate Veena Krishna said, “the crime he committed was very serious. He was able to coerce young girls on a gaming site. Therefore, bail is refused”.
Women and Men Against Child Abuse representative, Ngaa Murombedzi said, “we are really happy about what the magistrate decided.” “At least this time we know we have someone who upholds the law. We liked her reasoning and hope that this time, the law will take its course”.
Van Loggerenberg is expected back in the dock next Thursday.
