By: Natasha Archary

Convicted paedophile Gerhard Ackerman has been slapped with 12 life sentences for heinous crimes against young boys.
Unapologetic for over 700 charges of rape, possession of child pornography, human trafficking, sexual grooming and sexual exploitation of children, Ackerman will reportedly be appealing his sentence, saying he’s not guilty of anything.
On Monday, 14 August, Gauteng High Court Judge, Mohamed Ismail said Ackerman was plainly, “an evil man” who deserves the sentencing handed down to him.
“You exposed them to be abused by other men, and to the HIV virus. You, are by no means a humanitarian, or caring person, in fact you are plainly, an evil man.
I find no substantial or compelling reasons which would permit me from deviating from the prescribed sentences.
Mr Ackerman, you are sentenced to 12 life sentences.”
Judge Mohamed Ismail sentenced Gerhard Ackerman to 12 life sentences
The 52-year old and his co-accused, Paul Kennedy lured young boys into a sex-ring, where they were groomed to have sex with men.
Kennedy, died by suicide before the trial could begin, leaving Ackerman to face the charges alone.
Judge Ismail said Kennedy knew his days were numbered after his arrest, which is why he killed himself.
In contrast, Gerhard Ackerman, shows no remorse for the crimes he committed against minor boys, between the ages of 14 and 16.
Most of the boys were found to be from poor or troubled families, and Ackerman used social media to find, and lure them.
Ackerman who offered the boys work at his “massage parlour”, admitted that the boys gave clients “happy ending” massages, saying there was nothing wrong with this service, as the boys were of legal age and consented.
The paedophile said he would be out of prison within 3-months and will be a free man in November, after he contests his sentencing.
Speaking to media after his sentencing on Monday, Ackerman laughed at Judge Ismail’s verdict, saying he’s innocent on most of the charges against him, if not all of them.
“What I’m saying is, is that I’m innocent on most of the charges, if not all of them, and I’m not going to reveal if there’s something I’m guilty of because that’s just stupid.
Three months is not that long, come on. Until 30 November, and then maybe two weeks after that for the bail application.”
Gerhard Ackerman after being slapped with 12 life sentences for child sex crimes
[WATCH] Convicted rapist Gerhard Ackerman, who has indicated that he wants to file a motion for a retrial after getting 12 life terms, says he's not guilty of most of the charges he's been convicted of, and he believes he'll only be in prison for 3 months.#Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/KY15FC661J
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) August 14, 2023
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