Alleged abuser had 'fatherly' bond with girl

2011-11-29 19:28

Johannesburg - The bail application of a Johannesburg karate coach accused of sexually assaulting nine of his students will resume on Wednesday in the Randburg Magistrate's Court.

The court heard on Tuesday that the accused had a "father-daughter" relationship with one of the complainants.

The coach testified that she used to stay with him after her classes because she lived too far for her parents to pick up. He said that this was with the consent of her parents. The girl was 14-years old at the time.

The coach said he would cook supper for her and make sure she did her homework. They had a good relationship and he could not understand why she would accuse him of rape, he said.

The State said the coach contradicted himself as he earlier said he never had a relationship beyond a professional nature with any of his students.

The State argued that his promise that he would not intimidate witnesses if granted bail was compromised.

The complainant has accused the man of raping her at a hotel near Johannesburg while they and two other people were attending a karate competition in 1991.

Jacques van Heerden, for the coach, said his client had osteoporosis and needed medical attention.

"The case could go on for more than two years, in which time my client would have to remain in custody," he said.

Van Heerden said his client's age should be taken into consideration when deciding bail.

The 68-year-old man is accused of indecently assaulting nine of his students. They claim he fondled their breasts and touched their private parts.

- SAPA