Seven-year sex assault trial devastating for family

THE PROLONGED sexual assault trial involving construction contractor Hansie Galloway, which was finally concluded after a seven-year trial, has had a devastating impact on the family, according to the community group Optimystic Bikers against Abuse.

Galloway was sentenced to a fine of R12,000 and a two-year suspended sentence in the Sexual Offences Court this week.

He was convicted of sexually assaulting a seven-year-old girl during 2014 and 2015.

The family of the complainant approached Mike Bolhuis Specialised Security Services (SSS) private investigators when progress on the case came to a standstill.

SSS private investigator Cecil Benadie said they assisted with the investigation in 2019.

“At that stage, the case was pending for five years, while there were numerous delays in the criminal investigation. Werner Koekemoer and I travelled to Kimberley so that we could do our own investigations and offer support to the family. We welcome the sentence and are relieved that it has finally come to a conclusion,” said Benadie this week.

The vice-president of Optimystic Bikers against Abuse, Celeste Louw, said the difficulties experienced in finalising the court case were incredibly stressful for the family.

“The child has suffered secondary trauma by being put through a seven-year trial from the date that the incident was first reported and has not been offered a chance to deal with the wounds or move forward with her life,” said Louw.

She added that the matter had caused heartache and disruption to the family.

“When a crime of this nature has been committed, there are no winners. In this case, and in numerous others, we find survivors feel unheard and kept in the dark about the legal processes.

“Survivors need support workers who can explain court processes to them and provide psycho-social care to them and their families.

“Matters are complicated by the emotional upheaval and exacerbated by long days in court, while complainants are forced to confront the perpetrators in the corridors or outside the court building.”

Louw added that the girl’s father passed away during the trial. “The stress contributed towards his death.”

She welcomed the decision of the court to refer the case to the Children’s Court to investigate the safety and best interests of the child moving forward.

“When a child-related offence of this nature occurs, our thoughts turn to whether the child will remain safe outside the courtroom, at their homes, schools and in their communities.”