PORT ELIZABETH - BOB HEWITT HANDS HIMSELF IN TO ST ALBANS PRISON & BEGINS 6 YEAR RAPE SENTENCE

Convicted rapist, Bob Hewitt has begun his six year sentence at the St Albans Correctional Centre outside Port Elizabeth.

He was convicted on two counts of rape and indecent assault when he raped two girls and molested another in the 1980s and 1990s.

The former multiple doubles tennis Grand Slam champion, raped his victims while he was their tennis coach.

Hewitt reported to St Albans Correctional Centre earlier on Tuesday, but managed to dodge reporters that waited for him outside the facility.

He will serve his sentence at Medium B of this facility, where he will be allowed two 45 minute visits each month.

Correctional Services spokesperson in the Eastern Cape, Zama Feni says results of the assessment done on Hewitt will determine
which part of the facility he will serve his term in.

Hewitt is currently undergoing a health and safety risk assessment. After that process has been concluded the Department of Correctional Services will be able to determine where he will be able to serve his sentence. Whether in a single cell, communal cell or at the hospital.

One of Hewitt's three victims, Theresa "twiggy" Tolken says she is relieved that justice has been served.

Twiggy was one of the victims who had a strong case against the former champion, with letters that Hewitt used to write to her at the age of 12.

She says it's been a long five years for her, and is still disappointed that Hewitt never owned up to what he did.

"It was not easy, and that is why I have said that he has tried everything to get out of it, he has never owned up to what he has done."

"He has tried everything to evade justice, and tried everything out of his disposal to stay out of jail. He continued to lie about his despicable actions."

The victims had support from various organisations, including the Women and Men Against Child Abuse Organisation.

Its founding director, Miranda Friedmann says this will open doors for more victims of abuse. She says she is happy the rapist has started to serve his sentence.

"Today is the end of a very long journey, it's a day when children's rights have been upheld to an extent that I can't even remember the last time we had such a victory."

Victims are also being encouraged to speak out and ensure their perpetrators are held responsible.

VIA - sabc.co.za