Child Assault Trial Pushed to September 22

Thabazimbi – The long-running child assault trial involving Ria Oberholzer, Petrus Oelofse, and Jesica Hull has once again been postponed. The case, already marked by repeated delays, will now only continue on 22 September 2025.

Earlier this month, proceedings stalled when Oelofse was reportedly too ill to attend court, forcing another reschedule. The accused — who face charges ranging from child neglect to sexual assault — remain out on bail as the matter drags on in the Thabazimbi Magistrates’ Court.

The trio has been appearing since March 2024, when the charges were first laid. In June 2025, the trial was delayed to accommodate special assistive devices for a hearing-impaired witness, adding to the long list of postponements.

Oelofse faces charges of sexual assault and child neglect, while Oberholzer and Hull are charged with child neglect and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.