Willem Breytenbach, a former school teacher and Media24 journalist, admitted guilt to seven counts of indecent assault and three counts of sexual assault. The plea was delivered on Monday in the Cape Town Regional Court, marking a critical juncture in a case that has spanned decades.
“I plead guilty, your worship,”
Breytenbach stated with a noticeable tremor in his voice as prosecutor Carmen Daniels read out the charges against him.
The charges stem from incidents dating back to 1997, during Breytenbach’s tenure as a teacher in the Western Cape, and extend to allegations from 2017 and 2018 involving podcaster Deon Wiggett and two employees of Breytenbach’s media company. Notably, three of the charges were withdrawn during the court proceedings.
This case garnered public attention following the release of Wiggett’s podcast My Only Story, which exposed Breytenbach under the pseudonym “Jimmy.” After the podcast aired, Breytenbach closed his digital media business and relocated to his mother’s residence in Reebok, near Mossel Bay.
One of Breytenbach’s attorneys, advocate Stacey Webb, read a statement on his behalf in which he expressed remorse for his actions.
“I wish to apologise for my actions unreservedly,”
Webb conveyed, as Breytenbach sat in the dock with a small notebook and a bottle of water at his side.
The presiding magistrate, Amori Graf, accepted the plea and declared Breytenbach guilty on all counts before adjourning the trial for a lunch break.
The trial, which began only on Monday, has faced numerous delays. Factors such as the Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns and repeated submissions to the Western Cape Director of Public Prosecutions contributed to its postponement. Subsequent procedural delays further stretched the timeline, heightening tensions among those awaiting justice.
Breytenbach’s conduct first came to light through Wiggett’s podcast, where Wiggett accused him of sexually inappropriate behaviour. This revelation prompted other individuals to come forward with similar allegations, culminating in a police investigation.
As the trial progresses, the court will move to arguments regarding the aggravation and mitigation of sentencing. This phase is expected to shed light on the full scope of Breytenbach’s actions and the impact on his victims.
This case represents a watershed moment in addressing historical allegations of sexual misconduct, underscoring the critical role of investigative journalism and the bravery of survivors in seeking justice.
