GEORGE NEWS - The case in which a 37-year-old correctional services official is accused of sexually assaulting a minor will continue today 7 May in the George Magistrate's Court.

The matter, classified as a Schedule 6 offence, was delayed to allow for further bail-related information to be verified. 

The postponement follows submissions by the State that the accused allegedly had another pending case in Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal. However, the accused has strongly denied having any other pending matters.

His attorney, Winston Jansen, told the court that it was his instruction that an error had been made regarding the alleged additional case.

It is understood that the accused's fingerprints have been taken and sent to Newcastle for the State's claims to be verified. It has further emerged that while the names of the individuals in the Newcastle matter and the George case are the same, the identity numbers differ.

Once the issue regarding the Newcastle matter is resolved, the defence will bring a bail application. The accused remains in custody.

The official, who is stationed at the George Correctional Facility, was arrested at his home in Thembalethu on 18 April by members of the George Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit. 

The arrest followed allegations that he sexually assaulted his ex-girlfriend's 11-year-old daughter on the evening of 17 April. The incident was reported to the police by the child's mother, and it is alleged that the accused may have assaulted the victim on a prior occasion.

The Department of Correctional Services has confirmed the arrest and stated that it views these allegations in a serious light, adding that it will allow the legal process to take its course.

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