A Muizenberg lawyer accused of paying teen boys for sex has been released on R10 000 bail and sent to live in Bonteheuwel for the duration of his trial.
Tempers flared at Muizenberg Magistrates’ Court on Friday when angry moms raised their concerns about the release of Theo Hartzenberg, 36, saying their children feared for their lives.
He was busted by Muizenberg cops last month after seven boys told police that he paid them R100 to penetrate him and R50 to masturbate for him at Muizenberg Beach.
A 39-year-old mom says her 14-year-old son revealed the shocking details after an argument erupted between the boys and it was revealed that children as young as 12 were also victims.
It is believed the boys were approached by Hartzenberg while they were begging at Surfer’s Corner.
National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila confirms Hartzenberg was released on R10 000 bail and says he was instructed to hand over his passport and told not to enter the Muizenberg precinct.
“He has to notify the investigating officer if he intends on travelling outside of Cape Town. His case was postponed to 15 July for further investigations.”
An angry mom tells the Daily Voice that they were shocked when the magistrate made the ruling.
“We were all in shock and very upset and after court he was escorted out as if we are going to hurt him, yet our children are being threatened for speaking up.
“They said in court that he must leave Muizenberg and go live by his auntie in Bonteheuwel and we are worried about those children.
“Bonteheuwel, like Capricorn, is an impoverished community where children can be exploited so we are very worried for them.”