Tuesday, December 03, 2024 - A lawyer, Theo Hartzenberg, has been sentenced to eight years in prison by the Wynberg regional court, South Africa, for statutory r@pe and the s3xual exploitation of homeless children whom he paid for s3x.
The sentencing took place on Monday, December 2, after
Hartzenberg faced over 20 charges, to which he pleaded not guilty during the
trial.
The court heard testimony from a 21-year-old homeless male
victim, who knew Hartzenberg as a lawyer living in a block of flats in
Muizenberg, Cape Town. The victim revealed that he and other boys were
exploited by Hartzenberg, who paid them for s3x.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Eric
Ntabazalila provided details of the case, explaining that the victim and his
friend observed Hartzenberg leaving his flat, heading to the beach, and
engaging in s3xual acts with other boys behind a wall. The victim was paid R100
for acting as a lookout during the incident. The following day, the victim, his
friend, and another boy were paid R100 each after engaging in s3x with
Hartzenberg. This exploitation occurred repeatedly, with the victim using the
money to buy food and drugs.
The trial also included testimony from a 16-year-old boy,
who confirmed the accounts of the previous victims. He described how he
initially struggled to engage in s3x with Hartzenberg but was still paid. On
subsequent occasions, he and other boys engaged in s3xual acts with Hartzenberg
in exchange for R100.
Hartzenberg attempted to have the charges dropped, but the
state opposed his request, arguing that Hartzenberg deliberately exploited
vulnerable homeless children. In closing arguments, prosecutor Jacqueline
Hefele emphasized that the victims were not contradicting themselves during
their testimony and that Hartzenberg was fully aware of their vulnerable
circumstances.
Prosecutor Jacqueline Hefele said in closing arguments that
Hartzenberg knew the victims were vulnerable street children who were easy to
exploit. She emphasised they did not contradict themselves while testifying.
“The accused knew the victims as he admitted to giving them
money and food and the witnesses had no reason to fabricate evidence against
their benefactor. The court found the evidence against the accused
overwhelming. The court accepted the accused solicited the services of
the complainants to provide him with sexual services in return for monetary
payments. It found the state proved its case against the accused,” said
Ntabazalila.
Hartzenberg was sentenced to eight years' direct
imprisonment for statutory rape with three years suspended for five years on
condition he is not convicted on a similar charge during the period of
suspension. The court also sentenced him to eight years' direct
imprisonment for sexual exploitation of a child and three months' direct
imprisonment for engaging in sexual services with a person older than 18 years,
suspended for five years on condition he is not convicted for committing a
similar offence during the period of suspension.
He was declared unfit to possess a firearm. His name will be
added to the National Child Protection Register and National Register for Sex
Offenders.
Go and Subscribe to our YouTube
Channel and get the best videos around the country, go HERE>>>
0 Comments