In a disturbing turn of events, a 57-year-old soccer coach and Bible studies teacher from Durban has been taken into custody in connection with the rape of four minor boys. The arrest took place on Tuesday, as confirmed by Verulam SAPS.
According to KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda, the man faces four counts of rape stemming from allegations that he assaulted the boys in the Waterloo area. Following the incident, the suspect was reportedly attacked by an enraged community before law enforcement arrived at the scene.
Netshiunda further disclosed that the suspect was transported to a hospital for medical treatment and remains under police protection.
Prem Balram of Reaction Unit South Africa (Rusa) reported that they intervened after receiving alerts about the community’s violent response to the suspect. On their arrival, Rusa officers encountered around 100 residents who were aggressively confronting the man. The crowd had stripped him of his clothing and was reportedly threatening further violence.
Balram noted that the accused, who is employed in the area, had been involved in coaching soccer and leading Bible studies for local minor boys. The situation escalated after one victim reported to their parents that they had been drugged and raped by the man. This led to three additional victims coming forward with similar accusations. The boys, aged between 10 and 13, had initially been fearful to disclose the abuse due to threats from the suspect, who allegedly warned them against seeking help.
Currently, four separate rape cases are being investigated by Verulam SAPS.
